Bears: Smith will stay as coach

By foxsports

Published Jan. 3, 2012 5:26 p.m. ET

Lovie Smith is keeping his job as coach of the Chicago Bears.

Bears President Ted Phillips says Smith will return next season. The Bears went 8-8, fading after a 7-3 start and missing the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

Phillips made the announcement on Tuesday. The Bears fired general manager Jerry Angelo earlier in the day.