Josh McDaniels: If He's Fired, Who's the Next Denver Broncos Coach?

Josh McDaniels has gone from being the hottest young coach in the NFL to being on the hot seat. 

After leading his Denver Broncos to a 6-0 start last year that included dramatic wins over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Dallas Cowboys and the mighty New England Patriots, the wheels have fallen off the wagon. 

The Broncos are 5-17 under McDaniels since this triumphant start, and he's staring unemployment square in the face. 

Who would have thought?

Denver's out of the playoff picture, and the team is struggling more and more on defense each week. It's not too early to look at the possible replacements for the once-revered Josh McDaniels if he's fired at seasons end.

John Gruden, Odds 14/1

It seems as though Gruden is happy as a MNF commentator, but you have to believe he wouldn't mind a return to the NFL. 

He's known as one of the hardest working coaches, who was totally dedicated to his job. The guy loves football so much, I'd be shocked if he stayed in the press box.

Outside of being a bit younger than Pat Bowlen might want, Gruden fits exactly what the Broncos need. He's an in-your-face, no-nonsense coach who prides himself on defense.

John Fox, Odds 12/1 

The current Carolina Panthers head coach is almost certainly on his way out in Charlotte and deserves a look from Denver.

He's got a good combination of age and experience and installs a solid defensive scheme.

Fox hasn't been great at developing quarterbacks, and his team has struggled since their home debacle in the 2008 playoffs. Not sure this is the right fit, but Fox is definitely a possibility. 

Bill Cowher, Odds 10/1

Cowher plays it close to the vest. Does he want to remain an analyst or go back to the sidelines?

No one knows for sure, but he'd be a good fit in the Mile High City. An ideal hire.

Fans would love it, and he'd bring a new toughness to a porous defense.

He's done well with lesser quarterbacks like Kyle Orton (although he's having a career year under McDaniels this season) and could work well with Knowshon Moreno.

Marvin Lewis, Odds 8/1

Lewis hasn't been extremely successful during his tenure as the Bengals head coach, but he's a defensive guru.

Last year, his team stayed relatively injury-free and as a result, Cincinnati's defense was the fourth-best in the NFL.

He institutes a 4-3 defense, but his probable availability makes him a target. Mike Zimmer is an outside shot here, too. 

Leslie Frazier, Odds 6/1

If the Vikings keep winning, Frasier could stay put in Minneapolis, but signs are pointing to ownership seeking a new coach.

Frasier is a heady defensive coach, but he runs the 4-3 and will be a top candidate for many coaching vacancies around the league. He'd work well as the Broncos head guy. 

Ron Rivera, Odds 4/1

Rivera would be perfect in Denver.

They'd steal him from division rival San Diego, he's a quality defensive mind, he's been successful wherever he's been and he's adopted the 3-4 as his base alignment. Elvis Dumervil would be his new Shaun Phillips.

The only thing is will the Chargers be willing to let him go?

There may be others, but I fully expect the Broncos to look for a defensive mastermind. The offense is in place, but the defense is in shambles and needs someone to clean up the mess.