Josh McDaniels Fired: Who Will Be the Denver Broncos Coach in 2011?

Josh McDaniels' firing doesn't come as a huge surprise Monday after what has been a tumultuous season in Denver.

Once hailed as one of the best young minds in the NFL, McDaniels lost 17 out of his last 22 games in Denver after beginning his head coaching career with six straight wins.

It was what he did off the field that may have, in fact, been the last straw in Denver.

The Broncos were caught videotaping a walk-through session of the 49ers earlier this year in London, leading to the eventual firing of a team employee.

McDaniels was subsequently fined for failing to report the violation to the NFL.

In the end, his failure to follow the rules could play a factor in Denver's coaching search.

The Broncos could claim to have just cause to terminate the contract, saving them $6 million over the next two years.

With a little more cash in the bank, could Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen pursue a big name to take over at the top?

Here's a look at 10 candidates to become the next head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Honorable Mention: Brian Billick, FOX Analyst

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SEATTLE - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Brian Billick of the Baltimore Ravens looks on during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on December 23, 2007 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Brian Billick seems to enjoy his cushy job as a color commentator on FOX.

Otherwise, he would be a logical candidate to fill the coaching void in Denver.

There is a chance the former Super Bowl champion head coach will leave the booth, but the conditions will have to be perfect.

And the price will have to be right.

Billick isn't likely to end up with a franchise stuck in rebuilding mode.

No 10: Gregg Williams, Saints' Defensive Coordinator

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 31: Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams of the New Orleans Saints looks on prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew Sharpe/Gett

After dealing with the headstrong, young Josh McDaniels for nearly two years, the Broncos could opt for a more experienced head coach.

Gregg Williams is a possibility.

The veteran coach didn't have much success in Buffalo, but he is widely considered a great defensive mind.

The most consistent problem during McDaniels' reign in Denver was the lack of a reliable defense.

Williams would change that.

No. 9: Russ Grimm, Cardinals' Offensive Line Coach

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GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 22: Quarterback Kurt Warner #13 of the Arizona Cardinals talks to offensive line coach Russ Grimm during the game against the San Diego Chargers at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 22, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo b

Grimm has about as much personality as a potted plant, but the Broncos' organization probably wants substance over style.

The Hall of Fame offensive lineman has been working his way up the NFL coaching tree for years now and always seems to be close to landing a head coaching job.

Don't be surprised if Grimm is one of the final candidates in Denver.

No. 8: Steve Mariucci, NFL Network Analyst

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DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 26: Head Coach, Steve Marriucci of the Detroit Lions looks on from the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at Ford Field on September 26, 2004 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)

Mariucci brings the stability Denver's organization desperately needs.

It's difficult to ignore his pedigree in coaching and knowledge of offensive football learned under the likes of Bill Walsh and Mike Holmgren.

If he wants to return to coaching, Denver wouldn't be a bad place to get back into the game.

No. 7: Brian Schottenheimer, Jets' Offensive Coordinator

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PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Mark Sanchez #6 and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer of the New York Jets look on during a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The son of longtime NFL head coach Marty Schottenheimer, Brian is no stranger to the fierce rivalries of the AFC West.

His work with young Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez has been impressive to say the least.

With youth throughout the offense, the Broncos could look to nab an offensive coordinator who preaches balance.

Look for Schottenheimer to be a hot commodity after the season.

No. 6: Ron Rivera, Chargers' Defensive Coordinator

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 13: (L-R) Inside linebackers coach, Ron Rivera and Stephen Cooper #54 of the San Diego Chargers talk during a stop in play against the Indianapolis Colts during their AFC Divisional Playoff game at the RCA Dome on January 13, 2008

Rivera might not have to go anywhere in order to land his first head coaching job in the NFL.

With Norv Turner's future up in the air, there is a good chance Chico would get serious consideration to take over in San Diego.

If he gets snubbed for a potential head coaching job again, he might be able to finally find a home in Denver.

Rivera has been regarded as a brilliant defensive mind ever since his days with the Chicago Bears.

For some reason, he hasn't been able to take the next step up the ladder.

No. 5: Jim Harbaugh, Stanford Head Coach

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PALO ALTO, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Stanford Cardinal reacts after Delano Howell #26 of the Stanford Cardinal made an interception on a pass intended for Joe Halahuni #87 of the Oregon State Beavers at Stanford Stadium on November

Harbaugh is a hot commodity around both college football and the NFL.

He could be tempted to stay in the Pac-10, but life won't be easy with Andrew Luck almost certainly headed to the NFL.

If the money and the opportunity are right, Harbaugh might be willing to make the jump to the NFL.

The former Michigan star runs a pro-style offense and has turned Stanford's program into a consistent winner.

No. 4: Rob Ryan, Browns' Defensive Coordinator

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - NOVEMBER 21: Cleveland Browns defensive coodinator Rob Ryan watches warmups during a game agaisnt the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on November 21, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

One of the juiciest apples on the Ryan coaching tree, Rob Ryan has worked miracles with his limited talent in Cleveland.

He has also spent time in the AFC West and will certainly make his players put in the work to improve.

However, he might not be a great fit in Denver.

After dealing with McDaniels tyrannical antics, the Broncos might decide to pass on the rising star in coaching.

That could be a mistake in the long run.

No. 3: Perry Fewell, Giants' Defensive Coordinator

Perry Fewell will be a head coach in the NFL sooner rather than later, and he could wind up in Denver.

The architect of one of the most lethal pass-rushes in football, Fewell does his job without saying much.

He looks like a perfect fit in the Broncos organization.

No. 2: Dom Capers, Packers' Defensive Coordinator

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 20: Defensive coordinator Dom Capers of the Green Bay Packers talks with Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau prior to the game on December 20, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Karl Walter/G

Capers has NFL head coaching experience and has turned around the Packers' defense after years of futility.

The Broncos are already built for playing a 3-4 defensive scheme, especially if Elvis Dumervil returns to form next season.

Expect Denver to take a long, long look at Capers' resume after the season.

No. 1: Jon Gruden, ESPN Analyst

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 14: Coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers directs play against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 14, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Gruden will be on the top of almost every NFL coaching wish-list after the season.

That includes in Denver, with the Broncos needing a marquee name to return to relevance.

Although he might end up elsewhere, Gruden would be inclined to at least listen to what Pat Bowlen has to say.

Expect his final choice to boil down to a bidding war or full control of team personnel moves.

That $6 million potentially saved by canning McDaniels could really come in handy.

It will be an interesting couple of months in Denver.