(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 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. The Bears later confirmed it on their web site.

Smith met with upper management this morning and Bears assistants were very nervous, according to Rapoport.
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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.

Smith coached the Bears for nine seasons, making the playoffs three times, including one Super Bowl appearance. The defense was always good, but this was a team that more often hung around the middle of the NFL.

With Smith out, Jay Cutler is going to have to start over with another offensive coordinator. A defense full of players fit to Smith's scheme may not fit well anymore.

This was a sensible time to make a change, but the Bears may have to take a step back in 2013 before taking a step forward.:nerd:

LOVIE NOOOOOOOO! I live in Chicago and I think the Bears suck anyways :/.

I don't think the bears suck... They are really talented. They just don't have an offensive line to block for Cutler. If they had an offensive line, they could have a shot at the super bowl. They're defense is really good and gifted for there ability to stop offenses. Brian Urlacher and Julius Peppers run the defensive attack and they are really good at they positions. That is what i have to say. Thanks.

I don't like cutler, however Peppers and Urlacher are very talented along with Briggs and Tilman. I do agree that their O Line isn't the best, thats why they lose so much, but ike I said I really dislike cutler.

Why do you dislike Cutler? I like him, He could become a great if his shitty'ol line would block... lmao

True, but I just feel we can find a better QB, I use to like him but after all the interceptions and over/under throws, just incompletes in general. I had to turn my back on him..

This is the best thing to ever happen to Lovie Smith, he gets out of Chicago while he still is held in very high regard around the NFL. That Bears team is in trouble, unless they replenish that "D" fast. Old and washed up.

hell ya lmao

He won't be out of a job for long.

its sad Lovie didnt get any HC job this year yet andy Reid got one in less than a week and lovie had a winning season smh nfl