Article updated: 11/17/2012 8:22 PM

Bears, 49ers build from same mold in many ways

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Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith has a word with linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) in the second half during Sunday's game at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Rick West | Staff Photographer

San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh is seen throwing the ball prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals in an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)

Associated Press

San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh watches from the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Associated Press

Gallery Image

File — In this Nov. 11, 2012 file photo, San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh walks on the sidelines during the third quarter of an NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams in San Francisco. Harbaugh is back at work a day after undergoing a minor procedure for an irregular heartbeat. The reigning NFL Coach of the Year returned to the field to lead San Francisco through Friday's walk-through session, with a full practice scheduled for the afternoon. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith watches his team before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

Chicago Bears Bears' coach Lovie Smith walks the sidelines prior to their game Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

About this Article

Lovie Smith and Jim Harbaugh have used many similar methods in building highly successful programs in Chicago and San Francisco, and both needed to turn around franchises that had developed losing cultures.