(Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)

Bears coach Lovie Smith began his press conference by making clear that Kyle Orton is his guy at quarterback.

If there were any questions as to that being the case, Smith quashed them immediately.

“I’m a big Kyle Orton fan. I like him leading our football team. He’ll do that this coming season,” said Smith.

“Of course you’re always trying to add different pieces to the mix, but Kyle Orton will be leading our football team this season.”

Last year, Orton’s standing with the team was in flux as he engaged in a competition with Rex Grossman throughout the offseason and into the preseason.

He eventually won the job and started 15 games, missing only one due to an ankle injury. He threw for a career-high 2,972 yards and 18 touchdowns.

With Orton now entrenched as the starter, Smith said the Bears next goal is to get him another receiver.

“We need a good, solid No. 2 to step up with Devin (Hester) as much as anything.”