Bears fire coach Lovie Smith after nine seasons

By AP Sports Writer ANDREW SELIGMAN

Created: Monday, December 31, 2012 12:00 p.m. CDT

Updated: Monday, December 31, 2012 5:41 p.m. CDT

LAKE FOREST (AP) — The Chicago Bears reached the Super Bowl under coach Lovie Smith and consistently boasted a formidable defense.

However, they missed the playoffs too many times, never solved their problems on offense and even after a 10-win season they are moving on without him.

The Bears fired Smith on Monday after the team missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. General manager Phil Emery delivered the news to Smith on the day after the Bears beat Detroit to finish 10-6 but still didn't make the playoffs.

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