Fitzgerald Cecilio

The Chicago Bears have fired head coach Lovie Smith.

General manager Phil Emery told Smith he was done coaching the Bears one day after Chicago beat Detroit to finish 10-6 but still missed the playoffs.

The Bears started the season 7-1 but slumped in the second hamd and missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons.

Smith was hired in 2004 and posted a record of 81-63. He guided the Bears to three division titles, two NFC title games and a 2007 Super Bowl appearance in nine seasons. He was fired with one year left on his contract.

Smith's record ranks third on the Bears' all-time list, behind George Halas and Mike Ditka.

Mike Ditka: Lovie's Firing 'Ridiculous'

 

NFL 2012 - Chicago Bears Fire Head Coach Lovie Smith