Bears Fire Lovie

[FB Coach13]

Just heard on 670am Chicago sports talk radio, that Lovie Smith has been fired after 9 seasons with the Bears. Wonder who they are going to go after for the new coach?

[Spark]

Wow, I really did not think that would happen. Thanks Coach

[FB Coach13]

No prob Spark, I ran to work for an hour this morning and was driving home and the Score had breaking news and said there sources said he was just fired. I wasnt sure if he would get the ax or not, honestly I am a bit surprised about it myself.

[kbsooner21]

Wow, that's pretty shocking. I think he's done a pretty good job with what he's had to work with.

[vols fan]

Wow, that's pretty shocking. I think he's done a pretty good job with what he's had to work with.

I agree. Even as bad as Cutler sucks I felt like bears were probably 1 more WR away from having a pretty good team.

[Spark]

Mike McCoy

Updated Dec 31, 2012 11:28 AM ET


After nine seasons, the Chicago Bears have parted ways with head coach Lovie Smith.

As first reported by NFL Network, Smith was fired Monday morning by general manager Phil Emery.

Despite posting a 10-6 record, the Bears failed to reach the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons when eliminated Sunday after the Minnesota Vikings clinched a wild-card berth by defeating Green Bay. Smith led Chicago into the 2010 NFC Championship game and an appearance in Super Bowl XLI during the 2006 season. The Bears lost both contests.

Smith, 54, was 84-66 overall during his time in Chicago. Smith, though, wasn’t hired by Emery, who became the team’s general manager last year after the firing of Jerry Angelo.

While the Bears fielded some of the NFL’s best defensive and special teams units during his tenure, Chicago’s offense struggled through most of the past nine seasons. The Bears ranked 24th in total yardage this season.

Smith joined the Bears following a three-year stint as defensive coordinator in St. Louis.

FOXSports.com NFL insider Jay Glazer reported that the Bears already have requested to interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy to replace Smith. A finalist for the Miami Dolphins head coaching job last season, the 40-year-old McCoy is a hot commodity for his work in recent seasons with quarterbacks Peyton Manning, Tim Tebow and Kyle Orton

[Spark]

The Black Monday firings are in full swing.



In addition to Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid, whose 14-year tenure with the team officially ended Monday morning, a number of NFL coaches and general managers will be starting the New Year looking for employment after failing to meet ownership's standards this season.

We'll be keeping track of all of this busy Monday's announcements here.

PLAYOFF PREVIEW: USA TODAY Sports' Jarrett Bell predicts his Super Bowl winner

Report: Lovie Smith is out in Chicago
Despite a 10-6 record in 2012 and a nine-season tenure that included three playoff appearances and a trip to the Super Bowl, Lovie Smith has been fired in Chicago, according to an NFL Network report.

Buffalo Bills get rid of head coach Chan Gailey
After three years with the Bills and a 16-32 record, head coach Chan Gailey has been "relieved of his duties as head coach."

Kansas City Chiefs fire head coach Romeo Crennel, remain undetermined on GM Pioli
After a league-worst 2-14 record, the Chiefs have fired Romeo Crennel after one full year on the job.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Romeo, both personally and professionally," Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt said in a statement. "He is an accomplished coach, a man of great character and he helped guide our football team through some extremely challenging circumstances this season. However, I am embarrassed by the poor product we gave our fans this season, and I believe we have no choice but to move the franchise in a different direction. I will immediately begin the search for the next head coach of the Chiefs."

Hunt also said that no final determination has been made on the status of general manager Scott Pioli.

Philadelphia Eagles make it official, end Andy Reid's 14-year tenure with team
As reported Sunday, the Eagles formally fired Andy Reid Monday morning.

"Andy Reid won the most games of any head coach in Eagles history and he is someone I respect greatly and will remain friends with for many years to come," owner Jeffrey Lurie said in a statement on the team's website. "But, it is time for the Eagles to move in a new direction. Coach Reid leaves us with a winning tradition that we can build upon. And we are very excited about the future."

New York Jets fire general manager Mike Tannenbaum
Owner Woody Johnson didn't waste any time finding a fall guy for the team's disappointing 6-10 season.

In a statement, Johnson said, "This morning, I informed Mike Tannenbaum that he will not return for the 2013 season. Mike devoted 15 years of service to the Jets, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication. Although he helped guide us to two consecutive AFC Championship games, we are not where we want to be, and a new General Manager will be critical to getting this team back on the right track."

Johnson also said that Rex Ryan "will remain the head coach of our football team."

Cleveland Browns fire head coach Pat Shurmur and general manager Tom Heckert
The Browns have fired the coach after two seasons on the job, in which he posted a 9-23 record. The move was expected after the team changed ownership this season. Shurmur told the Cleveland Plain-Dealer Sunday that he hadn't spoken to new owner Jimmy Haslam in "quite some time." Despite drafting a solid young nucleus that includes running back Trent Richardson and defensive tackle Jabaal Sheard, general manager Tom Heckert is also out.

Gene Smith out as Jacksonville Jaguars general manager
The Jaguars have removed Smith after a franchise worst 2-14 record, according to a team statement. Smith, 48, held the position since 2009. His replacement will be responsible for choosing the second overall pick in the 2013 and also will likely be tasked with the unenviable decision of whether to bring Tim Tebow back to his hometown. Coach Mike Mularkey's job appears safe for now.