After going 5-11 in his first season, Smith turned around the franchise in 2005, leading the Bears to an 11-5 record and the NFC North division title.
Under Smith's guidance, the Bears boasted the league's stingiest defence (only 202 points against) and earned a first-round playoff bye.
"There are growing pains in anything worthwhile that I've seen," Smith said. "We definitely learned a lot from that experience last year. We definitely appreciate it right now.
Lovie Smith of the Chicago Bears is the NFL's coach of the year for 2005. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
"Our team having that bye week getting ready for this playoff game, I'm really excited about that. I'm also 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."
Smith collected 24 1/2 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who voted on the award. Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy finished second in voting with 20 1/2 votes.
Smith served as an assistant under Dungy from 1996-2000 when he coached the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Smith is the fourth Bears coach to win the award. George Halas won it in 1963 and 1965. Mike Ditka won in 1985 and 1988, and Dick Jauron won in 2001.
with files from Associated Press
