Truth & Rumors > NFL
Bears players, assistants have Lovie Smith's back
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09:38 AM ET 12.29 | There won't be a popular vote on coach Lovie Smith's future at Halas Hall. Insiders say it's strictly general manager Phil Emery's decision. But any change at the top would be in the face of passionate support for Smith throughout most of the building. Smith's loyalty to his coaches and his players is one of the hallmarks of his tenure with the Bears. It has kept his team together through difficult times. The Bears have faltered in key moments in his nine years as coach -- the team has made the playoffs three times under Smith -- but rarely, if ever, because of a fractured locker room. The players, not surprisingly, are staunch in their support of Smith. Brian Urlacher insulted Bears fans in defense of his coach. Lance Briggs all but said he is imploring the team to win Sunday against the Lions not only for Smith, but for the environment at Halas Hall that Smith has developed.
Lovie Smith, Norm Hall/Getty Images
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Comments (24) Add A Comment
Nice guys don't generally bring home the hardware though!
Center Ice
Total Comments (4815)
Bears players, assistants have Lovie Smith's back
So does the guy that sticks a knife in it.
Canuck eh?
Total Comments (18445)
He's gone....count the days.
UtahFriday
Total Comments (1346)
"Bears players, assistants have Lovie Smith's back"
It doesn't matter who's got his back. If they miss the post-season or do poorly in it, there will be fork prongs sticking out of it.
roamer
Total Comments (9607)
Fans are tired of seeing a promising start (7-1 this year) turn to sheyet by Thanksgiving. He's way too sedate to instill that killer instinct into his players to close the deal. He be done! He gone!
roamer
Total Comments (9607)
He needs to go. Bears fans are tired of his shtick - bring back Ditka ;)
Telsonx
Total Comments (522)
Ditka couldn't coach todays' players. He's too harda$$.
UtahFriday
Total Comments (1346)
I have to agree, especially with the downturn after the 7-1 start. I won't completely fault Lovie, because some of the Bears' issues were connected to former-GM Jerry Angelo. However, there have been a few games (especially the recent Green Bay match-up) where the Bears didn't seem to be ready to play, with way too many penalties and mental errors keeping the game out of reach. Players should be held accountable for that kind of thing, but it's the coach's job to ensure the players are coached-up and ready to roll. I don't think it's happening the way it should be anymore. Maybe it is time for a change.
Melman
Total Comments (17566)
I was hopeful the Phil Emery would not be the second coming of Jerry Angelo. All he really needed to do was the shore up that O-line and I know I would have been happy. It didn't happen, so I'm not sure what to think.
Melman
Total Comments (17566)
I'd be happy with a respected assistant coach like Mike Zimmer. He has a defensive background, which the Bears front office has eagerly pursued with every coach since the Ditka days.
Melman
Total Comments (17566)
He needs to go!!!! I am sick and tired of the same ol same ol with this team. Start out 7-1, then wind up in the toilet!!! Bill Cowher would be an interesting prospect.
drhall1148
Salida , CA
Total Comments (1)
I think Lovie will go based on whether or not the Bears make the playoffs, and how they perform for at least the wild card round.
If they fail to make it in, or get beat, Lovie is gone.
...the best policy
Harrodsburg, KY
Total Comments (4038)
Cowher would be an interesting prospect, but he seems pretty happy in a TV studio on Sundays, and I don't think the McCaskey family would be willing to pay the salary he would likely demand.
Melman
Total Comments (17566)
He's making seven figures working two days a week...pretty good gig. Not sure I'd trade that for 100 hour weeks, big time stress and hearing how bad you are every day. Again, he's got a pretty good gig. Don't see him or Gruden going anywhere.
UtahFriday
Total Comments (1346)
I'm sure if Lovie is fired, all the assistants will be cleared out as well. Might as well have his back .....cause where ever Lovie ends up, he'll be taking some of his guys with him.
Daffy Duck
Total Comments (1190)
That is part of Lovie's problem... it doesn't seem like he looks past his network of unemployed buddies when it comes to hiring assistants.
Melman
Total Comments (17566)
Bears ownership is inept, the front office is inept...the coaches are inept...end of Bears story.
Little Tommy
Mount Prospect , IL
Total Comments (17)
His mistake was listening to Lovie Smith's recommendations about his O line. You can count that one as a rookie mistake. I'm sure he won't let it happen twice or .... he be gone too.
roamer
Total Comments (9607)
When your HC keeps making dumb decisions in crucial games and at crucial times, it is time.
He's a good guy but, I don't think Lovie has the capacity to become a better coach than he is. So, keeping him around would be more of the same.
roamer
Total Comments (9607)
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