Rewind Wednesday: Lovie Smith

Every Wednesday, High School Football America’s Jeff Fisher dives into his well-stocked treasure chest of interviews to talk with NFL players about their love of high school football.

This week’s Rewind Wednesday takes you back to Jeff’s interview with former Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith.

Smith held the top job in Chicago for nine years, leading the Bears to three playoff appearances and a loss in Super Bowl XLI. Subsequently, Smith led the Buccaneers for two seasons and the University of Illinois football program for five. In March 2021, Smith was hired by the Houston Texans to be their associate head coach and defensive coordinator.

Smith grew-up in Big Sandy, Texas, a town of about 1,000 residents. Big Sandy High School won three straight Texas high school football championships from 1973-1975 during Smith's time as a linebacker and defensive end.

The 1975 team featured future two-time collegiate All-American Smith on defense and future NFL first-round draft pick David Overstreet on offense. Big Sandy dominated on both sides of the ball, setting a national scoring record (824 points) that stood for nearly two decades and only allowing 15 points all season long on defense.

Push the play button below hear Smith explain how his high school coach, Jim Norman, inspired him to want to be a football coach.

Photo: AP/Alan Diaz