Chicago Bears: Lovie Smith to Remain Head Coach in 2012

The surprise firing of Chicago Bears GM Jerry Angelo is going to be the only surprise this offseason in the decision-making area.

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, head coach Lovie Smith will be retained for 2012:

Angelo was in power for 11 years, and Smith will get a shot at coaching his ninth.

The Bears were on track for a Wild Card berth this season before a late-season, injury-riddled collapse derailed their plans.

Quarterback Jay Cutler was playing some of the best football of his career before suffering a season-ending injury and running back Matt Forte was the best all-purpose back in the league before suffering his season-ending injury.

Chicago finished 8-8 on the year giving Lovie a 71-57 mark for his tenure with the Bears.

Now the team will turn its focus to signing Matt Forte long-term, finding more weapons for Jay Cutler as well as protecting him and adding youth to their defense.

Whoever the Bears bring in to replace Angelo will have to get on the same page with Smith fast or the team will be in trouble.

More often than not, a true GM will come in and want bring in his own coach. Smith will have to impress Angelo's replacement immediately or he won't get a shot at coaching a 10th year in Chicago.

But there are whispers of the Bears backing Smith and possibly even giving him a say in who they hire. Rotoworld expands on the situation and refers to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, saying:

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Smith could emerge from the front-office change with increased decision-making power, and perhaps even have say in hiring Chicago's next GM. As noted by Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Smith and Packers Director of Football Operations Reggie McKenzie are "very good friends." McKenzie may rank high on the Bears' list of Angelo successors.

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This is great news for Smith if he can swing a bit of added power. Whether or not Bears fans want that remains to be seen, but Chicago is used to be a stable organization and working closely with Smith on this decision plays to that standard.

Only time will tell, but we do that Smith will be back on the sideline in 2012.