Lovie Smith is National Football League head coach for the Chicago Bears. In 2006, Smith became the first African American coach to lead a team to the Super Bowl. Growing up in Gladewater, Texas, Smith was apart of the legendary high school football team that won three consecutive state championships between the years of 1973-1975.
In January of 2009, in addition to his main head coaching duties, Smith took over defensive play-calling for the Chicago Bears.ESPN.com: Lovie Smith Takes over Chicago Bears' Defensive Play Calling
Brief Biography
Growing up in Texas, Lovie Smith started playing football at a young age. He was recruited by Tulsa University where he was a two-time All-American linebacker and safety. Upon graduation, Smith pursued a career in coaching, and landing a job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He later moved on to coach the St. Louis Rams defense, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 2001. He later took over as head coach for the Chicago Bears in 2004 and guided them to Super Bowl in 2006.
Featured Video
Lovie Smith Vital Stats
Mahalo's Guide to Chicago Bears
ESPN.com: Career Stats
Head Coach Rookie Year: 2004
References
Fast Facts
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Born
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Birthplace
Gladewater, Texas
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Fact:
Was apart of a defense in high school that only allowed 15 points in a season
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Alma-mater
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Career Record
31-21-0
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2005
Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year
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Fact:
An active supporter of the American Diabetes Association
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Fact:
Became the first African American head coach to lose in the Super Bowl when the Bear's lost to long time friend and mentor Tony Dungy and the Indianapolis Colts
