'Fire Lovie Smith' Campaign Hits Fever Pitch Headed Into Monday Night Football Against Vikings

With the 5-9 Chicago Bears sputtering to the finish line of the 2009 season, fans' voices are becoming more and more clear: we want changes.

The call for the departure of the team's head coach Lovie Smith has reached a new level heading into tonight's MNF match-up with Brett Favre's Minnesota Vikings.

NBC Chicago reports that a Soldier Field walk-in protest is being planned, with leaders asking for fans to show up late to the game. Missing the opening kickoff could send a message to Bears management in the form of national television embarrassment as cameras pan the stadium.

Just days ago, disgruntled fans began collecting money for their 'Fire Lovie Smith' campaign. That led to a billboard being erected in Arlington Heights.

However, the anti-Lovie sentiment has been around for more than a month now, as Bears fans have witnessed their season unfold into another without the playoffs.

In addition to visual displays in the physical world, the movement has been growing online as well. The Web site www.fireloviesmith.com was born, and there's a Facebook group with more than 2,700 members.

We'll just have to watch tonight and see what happens.

Comments

[oldwhiteguy2]

08:29 PM on 12/29/2009

Lovie had a good run here, but I'd like to see Jay Cutler playing for Mike Shanahan

[westreal]

01:00 PM on 12/29/2009

Keep Lovie Smith. Injuries and a new quarterback learning the system kept them from being a great team. He needs another year to prove his worth. Plus the man already took us to the Super Bowl. You just don't throw that away for an unknown.

[JJinWI]

12:18 AM on 12/29/2009

Nice win, Lovie.

Regards from Green Bay fans.

[Bude]

07:42 PM on 12/28/2009

The Bears don't have the players, and while I can't stand Lovie, that's not HIS fault!

[enoughofrr]

03:56 PM on 12/28/2009

A quarterback is only as good as the plays that are called. Fire Ron Turner and Jerry Angelo.

[Bude]

07:39 PM on 12/28/2009

And the play that's called is only as good as the players.

[Rosy]

02:21 PM on 12/28/2009

Ah, yes. Remember the summer, when everyone thought Jay Cutler was going to be the bears' savior? How's that working out?

[tones]

05:14 PM on 12/28/2009

smith can't form a line to protect him so not good.

[gilbskg]

07:23 PM on 12/29/2009

The Bears offensive line was a disaster this year. Who bears (no pun intended) the brunt of that blame?...coaching, recruiting?