Planes, trains, and a rivalry reborn.

In an alternate universe, fourth-year head coach Dan Quinn is about to lead his Bears into the nation’s capital against second-year Commanders’ head coach Ben Johnson .

It came so close to happening as these two teams have been in the market for the same coaches and quarterbacks to help turn the page from their recent dysfunctional past.

In 2022, the Bears had Matt Eberflus and Quinn as the top finalists for the open head coaching job at Halas Hall. Bears management infamously flew Quinn into town for his interview in a middle seat in the back row of a commercial flight. Ryan Poles soon sent Quinn back to O’Hare while he chose Eberflus.

In 2024, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported that it was a forgone conclusion that Washington would choose Johnso

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