Bears' Dave Toub stands by Lovie Smith

With the Chicago Bears on the verge of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive season, speculation has begun that head coach Lovie Smith may not return to the Windy City next season. But if special teams coordinator Dave Toub has his way, that won't be the case.

Toub has coached under Smith in Chicago since 2004, Smith's first season as head coach of the Bears. Toub views Smith as steadfast and as a coach who doesn't waver in the face of adversity:

"He's always going to be the same," Toub said. "I think that's a great character trait to have as a head coach. He doesn't waver. If it is bothering him, he's not letting the players see it; he's not letting the coaches see it. He's been steady."

The Bears got off to a flying start in 2012, opening the season with a 7-1 record and appearing to be a lock for the postseason and possible Super Bowl contention. But the team has fallen on hard times recently, compiling a 2-5 record in its last seven games. Still, Toub stands by his boss:

"Lovie is a great coach, and he needs to stay here."

Smith can increase his chances of remaining in Chicago by winning this Sunday. The Bears travel to Detroit to face the Lions at noon CT on FOX. A Chicago win, coupled with a Minnesota Vikings loss, would give the Bears the NFC's final wild card spot.