Charles Tillman has said that he expects Lovie Smith to remain in charge of the Chicago Bears next season.

The Bears started the season with seven wins in their first eight games, but have lost five of their last seven, and need to rely on other results to make the playoffs.

The cornerback told NFL AM: "No, I don't think Coach Smith is in the hot seat, but at the same time, we as players feel like he is going to be around this franchise, this organisation.

"He's been here nine years, I believe, the only coach I really know. I don't want to play for another coach. I think he's done some great things for this city, for this organisation. Great guy, great leader.

"You got to bring in a new coach, they got to start all the way over, they got to rebuild the team. Naw, you don't want to do that. Coach Smith is the guy."

The Bears face the Detroit Lions in their final regular season game tomorrow.