Bears give Lovie Smith his contract

The Chicago Bears signed coach Lovie Smith to a four-year contract extension through the 2011 season Wednesday night.

The team also signed general manager Jerry Angelo to a contract extension through the 2013 season.

Bears spokesman Jim Christman said the team would have no further comment Wednesday night, but would hold a news conference Thursday.

Smith, the 2005 NFL coach of the year, led the Bears to a 15-4 record and their first NFC championship in more than two decades last season before they lost 29-17 to Indianapolis in the Super Bowl.

He had had one year remaining on a deal that paid him $1.35 million in 2006. Smith was scheduled to make $1.45 million next year.