It's rare to have a first-time ever in a rivalry that started over a century ago, but Mike McCarthy is close to achieving something unprecedented.
McCarthy could become the first head coach to lead the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.
He spent the first 13 years of his head coach career in Green Bay, leading the Packers to 125 victories, six NFC North titles, nine playoff berths, and a Super Bowl victory. He also made a habit of beating the Bears.
McCarthy's Packers eliminated the Bears in the NFC Championship Game in 2010. His team stole the division title from Chicago in the final seconds of the regular season in 2013 and, less than a year later, held a 42-0 halftime lead over them.
READ MORE: Packers GM Brian Gutekunst hints at plan for Jaire Alexander this offseason
Including the playoffs, McCarthy held a dominant 19-8 record over the Bears, including a 17-4 record after 2008. Now, he could take on the task of trying to beat the Packers twice a year.
Former Packers coach Mike McCarthy is reportedly one of the frontrunners to land Bears job
FOX Sports insider Jordan Schultz told The Herd with Colin Cowherd that the Bears' head coach search has become a two-way race between McCarthy and Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
What's interesting is that the Bears reportedly went above and beyond for McCarthy's interview. According to The Athletic's Adam Jahns, they flew McCarthy into Chicago, where he "stayed late and overnight."
As the Bears’ search continues with more interviews, it’s important to note how different Mike McCarthy’s was: Flew in by the team, had his interview, stayed late and overnight and then went home earlier today.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) January 17, 2025
It sure sounds like the Bears have serious interest.
While Packers fans may laugh and Bears fans would hate it, it's actually a smart move.
Sure, Johnson makes the most sense. He has emerged as one of the league's most exciting and creative play-callers. There's more risk with Johnson, but the upside is through the roof.
That said, McCarthy makes a lot of sense. The Bears need to find an offensive-minded coach to pair with Caleb Williams, and McCarthy has a track record of developing young quarterbacks. He would ensure Williams has the correct fundamentals while giving him the best opportunity to succeed in the NFL.
It's fair to question whether McCarthy's scheme and play-calling are good enough to produce deep playoff runs year after year, but it's worth noting his Cowboys offense ranked No. 1 in scoring in 2023.
Packers fans should prepare for this potential reality. McCarthy has already etched his name in the franchise's history books. He has the respect and love of the fans, and if you visit Green Bay, you will inevitably go through Mike McCarthy Way.
But there is now a very real possibility that McCarthy, a Super Bowl winner with the Packers, will soon become the leader of their biggest rival, tasked with one job: Beat the Packers.