The Bears bounced back in Week 15, and any talk of Smith losing his job in the offseason, which had died down considerably since this season started, should stop now that Chicago has secured the NFC North title and at least one home playoff game.

Eight days after suffering their most lopsided loss of the season, the Bears won by their widest margin in more than two years Monday night, dominating the declining Vikings. They improved to 7-1 in games following defeats of 14 points or more since 2008.

Smith will be coaching the Bears when the 2011 season begins. The next two games have meaning in terms of playoff seeding, but even if the Bears don't win again this regular season, Smith's seat will not get much warmer than it is now.

And, thus, we conclude Lovie Watch 2010 with this final posting of the Hot Seat Meter.