"Every year we expect to win, and we're not satisfied with mediocrity," Angelo said. "We never will be satisfied with mediocrity. It was very disappointing the way the season ended, particularly when we went into the last game having some control over our destiny. It didn't work."

But Angelo said he and Smith were on the same page as far as their assessment of where the team is and how far it needs to go.

"Lovie is a great leader, and all great leaders create hope," Angelo said. "He does not want anybody, our fans (or) our players ever thinking there isn't hope. I know that's what he meant. After the (Texans) game, we were visibly upset, very, very disappointed."

--Citing his history of cutting high-priced veteran players who weren't performing, Angelo served notice that some current Bears could be ex-Bears in the coming months.

"I'm not hesitant to cut anybody," said Angelo, who parted ways with RB Cedric Benson, QB Brian Griese, WR Mark Bradley and S Adam Archuleta most recently. "I don't let money get in the way of doing what's right for this football team."

--Though Angelo plans on improving the roster during the offseason through free agency, the draft and possibly trades, he expressed confidence in the nucleus of a team that has failed to make the playoffs the past two seasons while going a combined 16-16.

"I feel very confident that we have a good core of players and a team in place," he said. "I'm very confident. We'll add players obviously, but if we didn't add anybody, we're still going to be a good football team. I feel very strongly about that."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Egg on my face doesn't bother me. Pain in the locker room, meaning guys who aren't producing and aren't good karma for this football team, does. I've always said this: The only thing worse than making a mistake is justifying it." -- Bears GM Jerry Angelo, on the possibility of releasing high-priced players.