Thread: The Other Smith on the Coaching Staff is Having Success Too.....

Lovie's son making a name for himself

Mikal Smith has coached Bears nickel backs to 6 picks in 11 games

Defensive backs coach Mikal Smith works with Corey Graham during Thursday's practice at Halas Hall. (Phil Velasquez, Chicago Tribune / December 1, 2011)

By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 4:35 p.m. CST, December 3, 2011


Mikal Smith's parents taught him a precious lesson long ago: No matter how bad your situation seems to be, someone else has it worse.

The oldest of Lovie Smith's three sons, now a Bears assistant coach in charge of nickel backs, could motivate top nickel back D.J. Moore to beat adversity by telling him about the slow-growing, malignant tumor embedded in his brain.

Smith, however, has remained quiet about his abnormality, understanding the tragedy Moore suffered when his older brother was shot and killed in May.

"What I've been through in my life hasn't been anything compared to what D.J.'s been through," Smith said.

Smith could have approached his other nickel back, Corey Graham, and revealed his ongoing bout with serious kidney complications. But Smith realized Graham endured his own internal pain while watching his older brother go to federal prison on drug charges.

"I don't spend a lot of time dwelling on the negative,'' Smith said. "You don't have time to sit there feeling sorry for yourself.''

Smith, 35, is more intent on fulfilling his new job responsibilities than dwelling on his lingering health issues. He encourages Moore and Graham to play with the same type of focus.

It's no surprise the duo has combined for six of the team's 16 interceptions this season. Secondary coach Jon Hoke praised Smith for the detailed notes he compiles daily for the nickel backs. Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli lauded Smith's coaching.