Bears’ Smith Picked as AP Coach of the Year

Lovie Smith was hired to resurrect a proud franchise in Chicago. He did such a strong job in 2005 that he was chosen the Associated Press NFL coach of the year Saturday.

And he beat out his mentor, Indianapolis Coach Tony Dungy, for the honor.

In his second season as Bear coach, Smith guided them to the NFC North title with an 11-5 record, earning a first-round playoff bye. They were 5-11 in his first year.

Smith said he was “excited about the job our coaches were able to do. Our assistant coaches did a super job. To me, we are the team of the year.”

If they aren’t, then Dungy’s Colts might be. Smith drew 24 1/2 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sportswriters and broadcasters who cover the NFL. Dungy was next with 20 1/2 .

Smith, who served as Dungy’s linebackers coach from 1996 to 2000 in Tampa, attended the funeral of James Dungy, his close friend’s oldest son, who died last month. Their bond remains strong and Smith often has credited Dungy with helping develop his leadership skills.

Smith is the fourth Bear coach to win the award.

Also receiving votes were New England’s Bill Belichick, with two, and one each for Seattle’s Mike Holmgren, Cincinnati’s Marvin Lewis and the New York Giants’ Tom Coughlin.

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Buffalo defensive coordinator Jerry Gray met with the Houston Texans, the only defensive coach interviewed to succeed fired coach Dom Capers.

The Texans, who went 2-14 this season, have also interviewed three offensive coordinators -- Denver’s Gary Kubiak, Miami’s Scott Linehan and Kansas City’s Al Saunders -- and Houston receivers coach Kippy Brown. San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has an interview today.