Five Coaches That Should Replace Lovie Smith (If He Loses His Job)

1 of 7

Lovie Smith has been the head coach of the Chicago Bears for the last six seasons. He's had three losing seasons, but three winning seasons, including 2006, the year the Bears went to Super Bowl XLI. His seventh year will determine his future. Will the Bears make the playoffs or crash and burn like they did last season? Just in case they do crash and burn, here are five coaches that could be perfect for the Bears.

Bill Cowher

Fifteen years after replacing Hall of Fame coach Chuck Noll, Cowher had led the Steelers to six AFC Champions, two spots in the Super Bowl, and one Lombardi Trophy. He retired to be an analyst for The NFL Today on CBS. It was rumored that Cowher was interested in taking over for Lovie this past season, but decided to stay with CBS. Unfortunately, now with the tragic loss of his wife Kaye, he might not want to do a whole lot right now. But things might change in a year.

Chicago's been known for having lively coaches like George Halas, Abe Gibron, and DITKA. Cowher represents what a coach needs to be and what separates himself from other coaches. Cowher has been known for being very motivational, very riled up, and the chin. Chicago could use a good chin. Chicago needs a big chin.

Jon Gruden

After leading the Raiders to the playoffs, he went to the NFC South to take over for the Bucs. His first year, they went to Super Bowl XXXVII to play against the Raiders, AND WON. That was the last time the Bucs won a playoff game. He was fired after the 2008 season.

He's currently a color commentator on ESPN. Like Cowher, many thought Gruden would be interested in taking over for the Bears, but decided to continue being a commentator. When your nickname is of a killer doll, there's got to be something dangerous about him. Listen to the man's audio bits! His voice never gets tiring and gets players' attention. He can knock some sense into of Cutler.

Marty Schottenheimer

I know what you guys are thinking, "SCHOTTENHEIMER?" Yes! When people think of Schottenheimer, they think of the playoff losses. But have they forgotten that he also won 200 regular season games?

Cris Collinsworth said this, "Was it Marty's fault Byner fumbled the football? Was it Marty's fault Marlon McCree fumbled the interception?" He's had playoff failure, yes. But he got those teams to the playoffs. All he has to do is get them to the postseason and the players can do the rest.

Mike Ditka

WHY NOT?! He won a championship with the Bears as a player. He won a championship with the Bears as a coach. Maybe he still has that magic. He's a color commentator now. So, he still follows the game and identifies a team's qualities and flaws.

The only thing I don't trust about DITKA is his drafting abilities ('99 Draft). Other than that, the man can motivate and win.