Advertisement

Winning pro coaches given the boot

Chicago Bears v Tennessee Titans
Lovie Smith (Chicago Bears, 2012)
Finishing 10-6 would be celebrated in most NFL cities, unless it marks the fifth time in six seasons that franchise has missed the postseason. Despite an NFC championship and overall mark of 81-63, Chicago fired Smith after nine seasons. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

So much for the cliché, "Winning cures all." Tom Thibodeau is the latest coach to find out that winning – whether in the form of regularly reaching the playoffs or even winning titles – isn't always enough to create a peaceful and lasting existence with a franchise.