December 31, 2012

Lovie Smith was fired on Monday as head coach of the Chicago Bears after nine seasons. (REUTERS)

A whole raft of NFL head coaching positions opened up on Monday, some more alluring than others to potential candidates and none of them moreso than the Bears vacancy in Chicago.

First of all, this is a team that went 10-6 this year and missed a playoff spot by an eyelash. Second, they have a quarterback in place with talent and experience in Jay Cutler. And third they still have the bones of an elite defence in place.