In 2005, history repeated itself when quarterback Rex Grossman suffered a serious injury during the preseason and missed a majority of the season. Despite their poor offense, the Bears’ defense saw significant improvement, rising from 22nd in 2003 to 13th in 2004. He struggled during his first season with the Bears, as the installation of new offensive and defensive systems and a series of injuries, including a season-ending knee injury to starting quarterback Rex Grossman, contributed to a 5–11 record. Upon arriving in Chicago, Smith stated he had three goals: beat the Green Bay Packers, win the NFC North, and win a Super Bowl. The Chicago Bears hired Smith as head coach in 2004, following the dismissal of Dick Jauron. Chicago Bears 2004–2010 Lovie Smith at the Chicago Bears 2007 training camp The team ultimately lost to the New England Patriots in one of the biggest Super Bowl upsets of all time. The Rams won the 2001 NFC Championship and advanced to Super Bowl XXXVI. Louis, Smith improved the Rams defense, which went from giving up a league-worst 29.4 points per game in 2000 to an average of 17.1 points in 2001. After spending five years with Buccaneers, Smith was hired as the defensive coordinator of the St. Under the guidance of Tony Dungy, he helped develop the Tampa 2 defense. Smith began his NFL coaching career as a linebacker coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also served as defensive backs coach at the University of Tennessee (1993–94), and Ohio State University (1995). In 1983, Smith began coaching linebackers on the college level, first at his alma mater the University of Tulsa (1983–86), and then at University of Wisconsin–Madison (1987), Arizona State University (1988–91), and the University of Kentucky (1992). A year later, he left for Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa in 19, coaching defensive backs and wide receivers. He was hired as defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Big Sandy High School, in 1980. He was a two-time All-American at linebacker and defensive back.Ĭoaching career High school Īfter graduating from college, he immediately pursued a coaching career. Smith played college football at University of Tulsa under head coach John Cooper. In 1975, Big Sandy had one of the most dominant seasons in high school football history, as the defense allowed only 15 points (11 shutouts) all season, while the offense, featuring eventual Miami Dolphins running back David Overstreet, scored a then-national record 824 points. His team won three consecutive state championships from 1973 to 1975, including a 0–0 tie in 1974 versus G. Playing career High school ĭuring Smith's high school career at Big Sandy, he earned all-state honors for three years as a defensive end and linebacker. He was named after his great aunt, Lavana. Smith was raised in Big Sandy, Texas and won three straight state titles as a star linebacker. Louis Rams in 2001 and as head coach for the Bears in 2006. Smith has been to the Super Bowl twice, as the defensive coordinator for the St. He has served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans of the NFL, and as the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini. Lovie Lee Smith (born May 8, 1958) is an American football coach. Assistant defensive backs coach & wide receivers coachĪssociate head coach & defensive coordinator
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |