New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson already has a long history against the Washington Commanders. Two years ago, many considered Johnson to be the leading contender to replace Ron Rivera as Washington’s head coach.

It didn’t happen. While the Commanders confirmed to sources they never offered the job to Johnson or actually considered him the favorite, they did want to interview him for a second time. They also spoke with Aaron Glenn and Dan Quinn for second interviews. However, while the Washington contingent, which included owner Josh Harris, GM Adam Peters and adviser/former NBA GM Bob Myers, among others, was on a plane to interview him, Johnson reportedly canceled his second interview.

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The Commanders were furious. Rightfully so. Then, Johnson, looking to save face, made disparaging remarks about Washington’s front office contingent, calling them “basketball guys.” The Commanders responded in kind.

That was the end. Washington chose Quinn. The two sides met again in January’s NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Commanders and Detroit Lions. Washington ended Johnson’s time as Detroit’s offensive coordinator with a 45-31 upset win over the top-seeded Lions.

Johnson took over as the Bears coach shortly thereafter. The Commanders and Bears also have their own history. Chicago chose Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, reportedly not even considering Jayden Daniels. Washington was thrilled, as Daniels had been its No. 1 guy all along. Daniels won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award last season and also captured the NFL’s “Moment of the Year.” The “Moment of the Year” came when Daniels’ Hail Mary as time expired shocked the Bears last season. That game essentially ended Chicago’s season.

Bears fans hate Daniels because, well, he is better than Williams, and they haven’t forgotten the pain and shock from that loss. They meet again on Monday night.

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On Tuesday, Johnson met with the media and was asked if he considered Monday’s matchup a revenge game for the Bears.

“You’d have to talk to those guys about it,” Johnson said, per Chris Kwiecinski of Chicago’s Fox 32. “We’re a new team. We’re just focused on winning this game this week.”

Yeah right. Johnson is right in the sense that this is a brand-new coaching staff, and they do not care about what happened last season. The players may care. That was an embarrassing loss. You know Caleb Williams doesn’t want to lose to Jayden Daniels again. As for Johnson, he wants revenge, too, but not for the Bears. He remembers that blowout loss from January, which ended his Super Bowl dreams.

Oh, yeah, he doesn’t want to lose to the “basketball guys” again.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Is Ben Johnson looking for revenge?