Reasons To Celebrate: Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith

Yesterday the rumor was floated that the Chicago Bears were about to extend the contract of Head Coach Lovie Smith. His agent who also happens to be his son, Matthew Smith, denied the rumor. From the Chicago Tribune;

"Coach's only concern is bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Chicago," Matthew Smith told the Tribune on Tuesday. "Any discussion regarding his contract would take place after the season."

Earlier today Chicago General Manager Phil Emery also addressed the issue. From ESPN Chicago;

"My preference is to do these things at the end of the year," Emery said. "There may be a situation where it's to the club's advantage and the players' advantage to do something during the season. But my preference, and most often, it's better to wait until the end of the year, until you have a full evaluation. Moving forward, that applies not only to our players, but to our head coach and our coaching staff."

The Smith and Emery relationship is an odd one, as Smith had a say in the hiring of Emery, who is his his boss. It was reported that Emery would have to retain Lovie for the '12 season, but after that the coaching decision would be 100% his to make.

The two knew each other from Emery's previous time in Chicago, so they already had a working relationship. There was a good chance that if the Bears had success this season that Emery would want to retain Lovie anyway.

Fast forward to now, and the Bears are 4-1, tied for first place in the NFC North, and have arguably the league's most ferocious defense. So far so good...

This is Lovie Smith's 9th season and his record is 75-58. He's under contract through next season, so they'll have plenty of time to address his status after the Bears finish up this February. See what I did there?

Be sure to weigh in on the Approval Rating, and also let us know if you think the Bears should extend Lovie Smith.