Following a successful 2010 campaign, Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith now ranks among the most successful coaches in team history. For his efforts, the organization has decided to reward him by tacking a few more years onto his pre-existing deal.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bears have signed Smith to a two-year extension. His contract will now run through 2013, and his yearly salary will rise to about $5.5 million.
Smith holds a 63-49 regular season record, including a 3-3 mark in the postseason, over his seven seasons on the job. Smith’s 66 total wins is good for third-most in franchise history behind George Halas and Mike Ditka.
Chicago has won three NFC North titles under Smith’s watch, including last season when Da Bears surprisingly made it all the way to the NFC Championship game. It’s no surprise that he’s happy with the new-found job security.
“Every day I’ve been on the job, the goal has been to do the best possible job that I could, and I could live with the results,” Smith said. “With three years on my contract, I feel pretty good about that.”
