Chicago Bears fire coach Lovie Smith after nine seasons

The Chicago Bears have fired head coach Lovie Smith as first reported by the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Bears began the 2012 season 7-1, but finished 10-6 despite a two-game win streak this season, and failed to make the playoffs, losing out on a wild-card berth in the final week.

In his nine seasons with Chicago, Smith coached the Bears to the playoffs three times, including a Super Bowl after the 2006 season, but missed the playoffs in five of the last six seasons.

Smith's Bears teams were known for strong defenses usually ranked among the league's best, but stunted offenses. He tried four different offensive coordinators in his nine years as head coach.