Lovie Smith already has four potential suitors, according to report

Former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith may not be out of a job long as he has already been contacted by four teams interested in interviewing him, according to a report from ESPN's John Clayton.

Smith, who was fired Monday after nine seasons as head coach of the Bears, should be one of the top candidates for teams looking for experienced head coaches. He compiled an 81-63 record in Chicago including three trips to the postseason and one Super Bowl appearance. Smith was one of seven coaches fired on Monday, leaving a number of potential suitors.

While some coaches prefer to take a year off from coaching after being fired, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports Smith is ready to coach in 2013. Smith is considered to be among the best defensive coaches in the NFL and was well regarded by his players, many of whom were upset that he was fired. If he does not land a head coaching job, it's possible Smith could take a step back as a defensive coordinator next season. He served as the St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator before being hired by Chicago.