Posted by: Chris Vannini on January 24, 2013

The Chicago Bears are starting a new era under Marc Trestman, but some are still surprised Lovie Smith was let go.

That includes opponents. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson spoke with ESPN 100 in Chicago and expressed his confusion.

Peterson was asked if he was surprised the Bears didn't make the playoffs and that Smith didn't return.

"I was shocked," Peterson said. "I really wasn't surprised about them not making it to the postseason because we knew once we won that they were out. We definitely weren't planning on losing that game against Green Bay at home. But as far as Lovie being fired, that just threw me for a loop.

"A coach that wins and has 10 wins and he gets fired? That really doesn't happen every day in the National Football League. So yeah, I was definitely surprised."

The Bears posted an 11-7 record against the Vikings under Smith, including a 7-5 record after Peterson joined the Vikings, but Smith's final game against Minnesota was a December loss in a stretch of five losses in six games that resulted in missing the playoffs.

Smith interviewed for some head coaching jobs this offseason, but, after not landing one, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported he is expected to take the year off, as his Bears contract has one year remaining on it.

You can listen to Peterson's interview by clicking here.

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Chris Vannini is the lead writer for CoachingSearch.com and has covered Michigan State sports for The State News, The Oakland Press and MLive.com. He writes a weekly column for the Detroit Free Press on behalf of SB Nation. Vannini lives in Big Ten country, so his foot speed is far from SEC caliber, but his pulse on coaches is hard to match. Be sure to follow @CoachingBuzz on twitter and send your feedback to chris@coachingsearch.com