Da nfl.com
In 2012, no coach won more games without making the playoffs than Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears. No other coach was fired after having a winning record, let alone one that stood at 10-6.
And yet, after nine seasons that included three NFC North titles and a Super Bowl appearance, Smith was on the unemployment line Monday, along with six other NFL coaches. A respected leader, Smith was let go with one year on his contract, leaving players crushed by his departure.
Smith also left the best roster for anyone to inherit, as well as a spot with one of the NFL's power franchises in a major city with strong ownership. Oh, and he left a quarterback for the new coach to utilize.
That's why, of the seven openings that emerged on "Black Monday," the one with the Bears is the most desirable.
How do the rest of the spots shake out? Here's my complete list:
1) Chicago Bears
Unsurprisingly, general manager Phil Emery said Tuesday that he believed the new coach will work with the majority of the players on the roster. Why wouldn't he? There are Pro Bowl players aplenty on both sides of the ball, with Julius Peppers, cornerbacks Tim Jennings and Charles Tillman and others on defense, and receiver Brandon Marshall on offense. Oh, and don't forget Jay Cutler. Of the seven openings, just two have answers -- not questions -- at quarterback. Having a talented passer like Cutler on the roster makes an already coveted job in one of the league's marquee landing spots all the more attractive. The only issues are on the offensive line, and there's the draft for that. Whoever takes over in Chicago will have the opportunity to win big immediately.