2000-07

The Bears would begin the new millennium by winning the Central Division title in 2001, only to lose to Philadelphia in the playoffs. The same year would also mark the final season in Soldier Field before the stadium was to be gutted and rebuilt in between the original colonnades. The Bears would play their home games in Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Illinois in 2002, then debut the " new" Soldier Field on September 29th, 2003 on Monday Night Football, where they lost to the Packers 38-23. After five seasons and a record of 35-46, Dick Jauron is fired in 2003. The Chicago Bears hire Lovie Smith in early 2004 and immediately states that his first goal is to beat the Packers. Since then, the Bears have won back to back division titles, in 2005 and 2006, and capped off their playoff run in 2006 with the NFC Championship and an appearance in Super Bowl XLI.