Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith watches the action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 30, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. The Bears defeted the Lions 26-24. | GETTY
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler reacts to the firing of coach Lovie Smith in the Bears locker room at Halas Hall Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. | Al Podgorski~Sun-Times
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith on the field for pre-game warmups before the Bears play the Minnesota Vikings November 25, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith on the field for pre-game warmups before the Bears play the Seattle Seahawks December 2, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith on the field for pre-game warmups before the Bears play the Seattle Seahawks December 2, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith stands at attention during the National Anthem before the Bears play the Seattle Seahawks December 2, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith adjusts his headset during the Bears game against the Seattle Seahawks December 2, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith on the sidelines during the Bears game against the Green Bay Packers December 16, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Mike Tice on the field during pre-game warmups before the Bears game against the Seattle Seahawks December 2, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Chicago Bears Offensive Coordinator Mike Tice on the field during pre-game warmups before the Bears game against the Seattle Seahawks December 2, 2012 at Soldier Field. | Tom Cruze~Sun-Times
Lovie Smith has been fired as Bears coach. Smith, who was under contract through 2013, will not return for a 10th season largely because the team missed the playoffs this year. The Bears finished 10-6 after a 7-1 start. Smith informed his players during a …
