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The Chicago Bears fired head coach Lovie Smith Monday morning after failing to make the playoffs, confirmed by NFL.com.
The Bears have reached the playoffs three times during Smith’s tenure, including a trip to the Super Bowl after the 2006 season. Smith was 81–63 overall.
The Bears defeated the Detroit Lyons 26–24 at Ford Field in Detroit Sunday, but failed to clinch the final wildcard spot after the Minnesota Vikings defeated the Green Packers in an intense divisional game.
The Bears began the season 7–1 and finished with an overall 10–6 record. Coach Smith began his tenure as Head Coach in 2004, with an emphasis on defeating the Packers. The Bears have lost six straight to the Packers and 8 of 9.
On another coaching note, Naperville native and NCHS grad Sean Payton, agreed to a five year contract to remain as head coach of the New Orleans Saints. Payton is currently serving a one year suspension for Bountygate.
