We have our first surprising name to be fired on Black Monday, Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith was fired Monday, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, citing a source who has been informed of the situation. Smith met with upper management this morning and Bears assistants were very nervous, according to Rapoport. Smith had a few things working against him, starting with the reality that he hasn't made the playoffs for five of the last six years, an even bigger factor, GM Phil Emery was just hired last year, new decision makers usually want to bring in their own head coaches. NFL.com's Albert Breer reported last week that Emery and other GM candidates were told a year ago that they had to keep Smith for 2012, but Smith's future after that would be up to them, now Emery exercised that right. The Bears failed to make the playoffs after a 7-1 start, while Smith's defense is still dangerous, he's consistently been unable to improve the offense through his staff hires. Source: NFL.com
Should have gone a long time ago...we need an offensive minded head coach,something we haven't had since Mike Ditka Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTCyH2qVnAA&feature=ytfce]Surprising Move By Bears? - YouTube[/ame]
[ame=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-around-the-league/0ap2000000120358/What-s-next-for-the-Bears]What's next for the Chicago Bears? - NFL Videos[/ame]
[ame=http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-around-the-league/0ap2000000120357/Lovie-Smith-fired-as-Bears-coach]Lovie Smith fired as Bears coach - NFL Videos[/ame]
Still stunned by the 'surpised' comments here & there. Those who follow this team know that Virginia is who saved him. Long time coming...
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfaO3K-F6DQ&feature=ytfce]Candidates For Bears Head Coaching Job - YouTube[/ame]
:laughy18: Just saw this one. :icon_smile: I've already voiced enough in other threads on this guy...
It's not often you see a head coach get fired after having a 10-6 season but thats a 10-6 season with no playoffs. Not to mention the Bears have missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons since going to the Super Bowl. I know the players loved playing for Lovie this is a move that needed to be made.
how come i haven't heard lovie's name coming up for any of these coaching vacancies? is he not very respected around the league? has he told everyone he's taking some time off?