Lovie Lee Smith (born May 8, 1958) is an American professional football coach. He has served as head coach for the Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans in the NFL, as well as the Illinois Fighting Illini in college football.
Smith has appeared in the Super Bowl twice: as defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams in 2001, and as head coach for the Bears in 2006.
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Lovie Smith Net Worth
Lovie Smith has a net worth of $20 million. He has coached numerous college and NFL football teams. Following the Chicago Bears’ successful season, Smith requested a pay raise. In 2006, at $1.35 million, he was the lowest-paid coach in the NFL.
He was set to earn $1.45 million in the final year of his four-year contract. After a stalemate in negotiations, the Bears signed Smith to a new four-year contract worth $22 million on March 1.
Early Life
Smith was raised in Big Sandy, Texas, and was named after his great-aunt, Lavana. During his high school career at Big Sandy, he earned all-state honors for three years as a defensive end and linebacker. His team won three consecutive state championships from 1973 to 1975, including a 0–0 tie in 1974 against G. A. Moore’s Celina.
In 1975, Big Sandy had one of the most dominant seasons in high school football history, with a defense allowing only 15 points (11 shutouts) all season. Their offense, featuring future Miami Dolphins running back David Overstreet, scored a then-national record of 824 points.
Career
Smith played college football at the University of Tulsa under head coach John Cooper. He was a two-time All-American at linebacker and defensive back.
After graduating, Smith immediately pursued coaching. In 1980, he was hired as defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Big Sandy High School. A year later, he moved to Cascia Hall Preparatory School in Tulsa, coaching defensive backs and wide receivers from 1981 to 1982.
Personal Life
Smith and his wife, MaryAnne, have three sons. His late mother was blind due to diabetes, which inspired him to become an active supporter of the American Diabetes Association.
He and his wife founded the Lovie and MaryAnne Smith Foundation, a program offering educational and life skills opportunities to deserving young people facing barriers to their educational goals. On July 15, 2007, he served as Grand Marshal for the USG Sheetrock 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at Chicagoland Speedway.
Did the Bears hire Lovie Smith?
Chicago Bears hired Lovie Smith as their head coach after firing Dick Jauron. At the time, Smith was the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams. Marking the 20th anniversary of his hiring, many remember key moments from the Lovie Smith era with the Bears.
Conclusion
Lovie Smith’s journey through the ranks of football coaching has been both inspiring and lucrative. His story is a testament to the fact that with dedication, strategy, and leadership, coaching can indeed be a path to both professional success and financial security.
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FAQs about Lovie Smith
1. How did Lovie Smith start his coaching career? Lovie Smith began his coaching career at the high school level before making his mark in college football and eventually the NFL. 2. What is Lovie Smith best known for in his NFL career? Smith is best known for his tenure as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2006. 3. What are some of Lovie Smith’s coaching philosophies? Smith emphasizes a strong defense, player development, and teamwork as the cornerstones of his coaching philosophy. 4. Has Lovie Smith been involved in any philanthropic activities? Yes, Smith and his wife, MaryAnne, are known for their charitable work, including supporting the American Diabetes Association and founding the Lovie and MaryAnne Smith Foundation. 5. What does the future hold for Lovie Smith? While the specifics of Smith’s future endeavors remain to be seen, his legacy as a coach and mentor in the NFL and college football is securely cemented, with ongoing contributions to the sport and its community expected.
