RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, a native of Big Sandy, Texas, Lovie Smith began his coaching career at his hometown high school, Big Sandy High School, in 1980, before moving to Cascia Hall Prep in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the following year; and
WHEREAS, Lovie Smith has spent twenty-nine years in coaching at the collegiate and professional levels; and
WHEREAS, Lovie Smith was named the 13th head coach in Chicago Bears history on January 15, 2004; and
WHEREAS, since Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard became the first African-American head coach in the NFL in 1922, there have been twelve other African-American head coaches in the NFL—including three who are currently serving; and
WHEREAS, in the 40 Super Bowls prior to Super Bowl XLI, no NFL team that played in the Super Bowl had an African-American head coach; and
WHEREAS, Lovie Smith was named the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year for 2005; and
WHEREAS, his 144 games coached ranks third behind George Halas and Mike Ditka; and
WHEREAS, with a final record of 81-63, Lovie Smith won more games than all previous Chicago Bears coaches with the exception of George Halas and Mike Ditka: and
WHEREAS, Lovie Smith provided much support in the form of college tuition funds towards impoverished children through the Lovie and MaryAnne Smith Foundation; and
WHEREAS, Lovie Smith concluded his tenure as Head Coach ofthe Chicago Bears was after completing a 10-6 season; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and members of the Chicago City Council do hereby congratulate Lovie Smith for all of his accomplishments as head coach of the Chicago Bears and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Lovie Smith. /7
Edward M. Burke, Alderman, 14 Ward