Angry Chicago sports mobs are clamoring to have Vinny Del Negro and Lovie Smith knocked out of their jobs. We compare the contenders.
AGE
Vinny Del Negro: 43
Lovie Smith: 51
CONTRACT
Vinny Del Negro: In second year of three-year, $6 million deal (one of lowest paid in NBA)
Lovie Smith: In second year of four-year, $22 million deal (one of highest paid in NFL)
COACHING RECORD
Vinny Del Negro: 49-55 (.471), in his second year
Lovie Smith: 50-43 (.538), in his sixth year
POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Bernie Bickerstaff, Pete Myers, Doug Collins (we can dream, right?)
Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren, Ron Rivera, Leslie Frazier, Pat Shurmur
INTANGIBLES
Team still paying Scott Skiles. Works for cheap. Upbeat personality allows him to weather tough stretch.
Team owes Smith $11 million for final two seasons on contract and it will cost plenty to hire a big name. Bears don’t like to waste money.
WHAT THE BOSS SAYS
“I thought he grew as a coach (last season) and we expect continued growth from him.” — Gar Forman
“I know Lovie knows how to get things turned around.” — Ted Phillips
SO WHO WILL GO?
VINNY. Because we said so.
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chicagotribune.com/smack
