Lovie Smith. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
(WSCR) The Bears have fired head coach Lovie Smith after nine seasons.
NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport first reported the firing.
Following the Vikings’ last-second win over the Packers on Sunday, the Bears were bounced from the playoff picture for the fifth time in six seasons.
With one year left on Smith’s contract, general manager Phil Emery reportedly made the decision to eat roughly $5 million in salary.
Rapoport earlier said Bears assistants were “freaking out” at Halas Hall on Monday.
In nine seasons as Bears head coach, Smith has reached the playoffs three times, compiling a record of 81-63 (.563).
