Lovie Smith
Two-time Super Bowl coach (as defensive coordinator and head coach) and former Bears head coach.
via Wikipedia: Lovie Smith · see source
Lovie Lee Smith (born May 8, 1958) is an American professional football coach. He has been the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL) and the Illinois Fighting Illini. Smith has been to the Super Bowl twice, as the defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams in 2001 and head coach for the Bears in 2006.
Quick Facts
- Born
- 8 May 1958
- Birthplace
- Gladewater, Texas, U.S.
- High school
- Big Sandy (TX)
- College
- Tulsa
- Highlights
- NFL Coach of the Year (2005); 2× Second-team All-American (1978, 1979)
Lore & Background
Smith was raised in Big Sandy, Texas, and was named after his great-aunt, Lavana. During his high school career at Big Sandy, he earned all-state honors for his three years as a defensive end and linebacker. His team won three consecutive state championships from 1973 to 1975. In 1975, Big Sandy's defense allowed only 15 points (11 shutouts) all season; their offense scored a then-national record 824 points. Smith played college football at the University of Tulsa under head coach John Cooper. He was a two-time All-American at linebacker and defensive back.
Reader's Guide
Smith began his coaching career in 1980 as defensive coordinator at Big Sandy High School. He later coached at Cascia Hall Preparatory School, then at the college level at the University of Tulsa, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Arizona State University, University of Kentucky, University of Tennessee, and Ohio State University. He began his NFL coaching career as a linebacker coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, then became defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams. He was head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2012, leading them to Super Bowl XLI. He later became head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans.
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