Add another name to the list of candidates who will interview with the Eagles for the team's head coaching position. The team announced that it will be meeting with former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith on Thursday.
Smith, 54, coached the Bears from 2004-2012, during which time he won three NFC North titles and led the team to the Super Bowl in the 2006 season. Smith's Bears compiled a record of 81-63 (a .563 winning percentage) during his nine seasons in Chicago. Prior to leading the Bears, Smith was the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams for three seasons.
Combining Smith's time as defensive coordinator with the Rams and his time as Bears head coach, Smith's defenses finished ranked in the NFL's top five four times.
The hallmark of Smith's Bears teams was often the ability of his defense to create takeaways. Consider that during his nine seasons in charge of the Bears, the team finished among the top five in takeaways five times and among the top 10 seven times.
Smith joins Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden as candidates on tap for interviews. Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, Falcons special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong and Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy have already been interviewed by the Eagles.
| Lovie Smith's Coaching Bio | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Team | Position |
| 1983-86 | Tulsa | Linebackers |
| 1987 | Wisconsin | Linebackers |
| 1988-91 | Arizona State | Linebackers |
| 1992 | Kentucky | Linebackers |
| 1993-94 | Tennessee | Defensive Backs |
| 1995 | Ohio State | Defensive Backs |
| 1996-2000 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Linebackers |
| 2001-03 | St. Louis Rams | Defensive Coordinator |
| 2004-12 | Chicago Bears | Head Coach |
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