Emma: Lovie Smith Is A Perfect Fit For The Fighting Illini

What seemed surprising at first makes so much sense now.

• Mar 7, 2016

Gruen: Considering Circumstances, Lovie Smith Hiring Terrific For Illini

The big challenge for Smith now -- assembling a top-notch coaching staff.

• Mar 7, 2016

Emma: How Lovie Smith Became Illinois' Head Coach

The path for Smith to Illinois took some odd turns.

• Mar 7, 2016

Lovie Smith Greeted To Hero's Welcome At Illinois

Smith was warmly received in his first public appearance on campus.

• Mar 7, 2016

Illinois AD: 'Not A Living Room In America That Wouldn't Open Their Doors To Lovie Smith'

"Lovie is just absolutely the right person at the right moment for our program," Josh Whitman says.

• Mar 7, 2016

Bernstein: Lovie Smith Breaks Barrier At Illinois

Smith is the first black head coach of football or men's basketball at the University of Illinois.

• Mar 7, 2016

Lovie Smith Hired As Fighting Illini Football Coach

Two days after Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman fired Bill Cubit, the university officially announced Smith is in charge.

• Mar 7, 2016

Emma: Illini Returning To Respectability With Lovie Smith Stunner

The Illini are expected to name Smith their next head coach.

• Mar 5, 2016

Sources: Ex-Bears Coach Lovie Smith A Leading Candidate For Illinois Job

Smith coached the Bears from 2004-'12, posting an 81-63 record.

• Mar 5, 2016

Lovie Smith Was Fired By Phone, Because He Wasn't About Attending A Meeting With The Owners To Hear The News

Smith "gracefully" insisted that everything be explained to him on the phone after catching wind of a schedule meeting.

• Jan 7, 2016

The Bernstein Brief: There Must Be More To Lovie Smith's Firing

In a surprising move, the Bucs fired Smith late Wednesday night after just two seasons.

• Jan 7, 2016

Durkin: What To Watch For During Bears-Bucs

The Bears must commit to their rushing attack, even if it is slowed early.

• Dec 24, 2015

Emma: Jameis Winston Following Lovie Smith's Lead

The troubled quarterback has matured under the guidance of his new head coach.

• Dec 23, 2015

Matt Forte Hopes To Return With Bears In 2016

Forte understands the business of the NFL may force him to move on.

• Dec 23, 2015

Ex-Bears Coach Lovie Smith Praises Jay Cutler, Matt Forte

Smith coached in Chicago for nine seasons before his dismissal in 2012.

• Dec 23, 2015

Report: Tim Jennings Is Already In Tampa Visiting With Lovie Smith

Will Jennings reunited with his former coach?

• Sep 1, 2015

Former Bears Find New Homes In Tampa Bay

Chris Conte and Henry Melton have signed with the Bucs.

• Mar 12, 2015

Bernstein: That Wasn't Bad Enough

Its conflicting to be a Bears fan right now.

• Dec 4, 2014

24 Hours Later: Holmes On Bears-Bucs

It was ugly, but Sunday's win was commendable for Chicago.

• Nov 25, 2014

Durkin: Impressions from Bears-Bucs

Chicago's game plan isn't taking advantage of its offensive advantages.

• Nov 24, 2014

Gabriel: Bears-Bucs Positives/Negatives

Chicago must replicate its second-half play moving forward.

• Nov 24, 2014

View: Tampa Newspaper Wants To Give McCown Back To Bears

Public sentiment has turned on Bucs quarterback Josh McCown.

• Nov 24, 2014

Bears Notes: Leadership Rallies Bears At Halftime

The chorus of boos at the halftime whistle was much louder than the Bears' play. Chicago trailed Tampa Bay 10-0 and should have been losing by more.

• Nov 23, 2014

Durkin: Bears Were Simply Less Bad Than Bucs

It's still hard to feel that things are on the upswing for the now 5-6 Bears.

• Nov 23, 2014

Emma: McCown, Smith Come Up Short Against Former Team

Mere moments before kickoff at Soldier Field, the emotions finally set in for Josh McCown.

• Nov 23, 2014

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