NFL: 10-6 record not enough to keep Lovie Smith in his job in Chicago

Lovie Smith: led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl appearance during his time in charge

A 10-6 record wasn't enough for head coach Lovie Smith to keep his job with the Chicago Bears.

Having missed the play-offs for a fifth time in the last six seasons, Smith was informed of the decision to relieve him of his duties by Chicago's general manager Phil Emery on Monday. A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday.

The Bears had beaten the Detroit Lions 26-24 on Sunday in the final week of the regular season, keeping alive their hopes of making the post season.

However, NFC North rivals Minnesota Vikings pipped them to a wildcard berth thanks to a 37-34 triumph over the Green Bay Packers later on the same day.

The Bears were 7-1 at one stage but folded badly in the second half of the campaign, suffering a miserable run of five defeats in six games to fall off the top of their division. They did win their last two, but it wasn't enough.

Smith had been in charge in Chicago since 2004, compiling an 81-63 record during his time at the helm, having arrived from his role as defensive co-ordinator for the St Louis Rams.

He led the franchise to three divisional titles, two NFC Championship games and a Super Bowl appearance in 2007 - they lost 29-17 to Peyton Manning's Indianapolis Colts in Miami.

The 54-year-old did have a further year to run on his contract having signed an extension after an 11-5 season in 2010.