The Chicago Bears haven't posted a winning record since 2012. Coincidentally, that's also the last year stud linebacker Brian Urlacher played for them.
After 13 seasons in the Windy City, Urlacher retired from football after the 2012 season. The Bears haven't been the same since, and Urlacher believes it all stems from the team's decision to let go of head coach Lovie Smith after that campaign.
The Bears posted a 10-6 record that year and just missed out on the postseason. Nevertheless, the team's management chose to ax the popular head coach. Since then, Chicago hasn't managed a record better than .500.
"I like to say it's the Lovie Curse," Urlacher said Thursday on the "Tiki and Tierney Show" on CBS Sports Radio. "Because since he left, (the Bears have struggled). He got fired being 10-6."
Phil Emery took over as general manager of the club in Urlacher's last season and fired Smith following the 2012 campaign.
"I think they fire (Smith) either way. Even if we go to the playoffs, I think they fire him. I don't think the GM liked the way he coached the football team," Urlacher said.
Smith coached the Bears for nine seasons from 2004-12, compiling a record of 81-63 and taking the club to the Super Bowl in 2006. Urlacher played for him throughout his tenure, and enjoyed the experience.
"The guy's a winner. I love playing for him," he said.
After a year away from the game, Smith reemerged with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was fired after two seasons.
As for the Bears, Urlacher said he doesn't recognize his old franchise.
"I don't know what the identity of that team is right now," he said. "They sign (quarterback Mike) Glennon, then they draft a kid No. 2 (Mitch Trubisky). I don't know what ... It's confusing."
