According to Lovie Smith's agent, only an "unforseen breakthrough," can save him from returning for the 2007 season without a new contract.
Frank Bauer, Smith's agent, told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that talks between the team and coach were at a "stalemate."
"We're not close, we're not encouraged and based on where talks have gone recently, Lovie will be a free agent after next season," Bauer said on Wednesday night.
Lovie Contract Talks Hit A Stalemate