The Green Bay Packers didn't get the favor they needed from Mike McCarthy in Week 18, not that it ultimately mattered, thanks to their last-second loss to the Chicago Bears.
McCarthy has received his share of criticism, but he is undeniably one of the Packers' all-time greats, having led the team to eight consecutive playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory.
His time in Green Bay ended six years ago, and he has since led the Dallas Cowboys to two NFC East titles and three playoff appearances.
However, McCarthy finds himself in an unusual situation. His contract is about to expire, the Cowboys haven't made a decision on his future, and now another NFC team has shown interest in hiring him. That team also happens to be the Packers' oldest rival.
Bears request interview with former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Chicago Bears have requested permission to interview McCarthy for their vacant head coach job.
Well, well, well. That would be quite something. Schefter adds another important note. Even if the Cowboys decline the request, McCarthy could still interview with the Bears after January 14, as his contract is expiring this offseason.
READ MORE: Matt LaFleur's explanation makes Christian Watson injury look even worse
While many players and coaches have been a part of both sides of the Packers-Bears rivalry, nobody has ever been the head coach for both teams. McCarthy could become the first.
It still feels like a long shot. The Bears are doing their due diligence and have shown an interest in several hot head-coaching candidates, including Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. McCarthy could still end up back with Dallas next season.
Many would mock the Bears for hiring McCarthy, but they could do far, far worse. He helped develop Aaron Rodgers and understands what it takes to work with young quarterbacks. Bringing in an offensive coach is the way to go, and McCarthy could help Caleb Williams after a forgettable rookie year.
McCarthy is also a leader, and his teams rarely quit on him. We have seen proof of it with the Cowboys, who won four of their final seven games with a backup quarterback and almost beat the Washington Commanders with Trey Lance.
It still feels like a long shot, but McCarthy returning to the NFC North to coach against the Packers would be both surprising and unusual. He is impossible to root against, but it would feel strange watching him wearing Bears colors to Lambeau Field.
It has suddenly become a very real possibility.