If Tom Coughlin Is Fired, Who Is the Next New York Giants Head Coach?

The New York Giants are struggling through a three-game losing streak and are now a full game behind the rival Dallas Cowboys for the NFC East lead. After finishing the first half of the season 6-2 and certainly looking like a playoff team, the Giants have fallen victim to their brutal schedule. And there's a distinct possibility they drop to 6-6 after this weekend, as they host the Green Bay Packers. 

Whether it's fair or not, head coach Tom Coughlin is on the hot seat. There was talk that he wouldn't be brought back after his team failed to make the postseason in 2010.  With a tough end to the regular season and two games against the Cowboys that will likely determine the Giants' playoff fate, New York could miss out on the postseason for the second-straight season.

Coaches have been fired for much less in the Big Apple. 

If Coughlin is fired at season's end or before, who are his possible replacements? 

I first look to former Pittsburgh Steelers' coach Bill Cowher—a home run if the Giants could land him. 

He's a Super Bowl-winning big name that will bring a fiery demeanor to the sideline. Perhaps most importantly, he has experience coaching in a city that demands greatness from its football team. He could handle the unrelenting New York media if his team enters a bad stretch.

Cowher to the Giants is really as simple as that.

Jeff Fisher is another definite possibility with his outstanding track record. After taking a year away from coaching, you have to believe he's ready to get back in the game.

Don't forget Jay Gruden, the current Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator, who's worked wonders with rookies Andy Dalton and A.J. Green this season. He's been said to be in consideration for a head coaching job for the past few offseasons, and this could finally be his big break.

One long-shot to keep an eye on is Green Bay's assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach Winston Moss. He has experience coaching with the 4-3 and 3-4 defense, and he has been the right-hand man for Mike McCarthy for a few years now. 

In the end, in typical New York City-fashion, I expect the Giants to do whatever it takes to get the most marquee guy, and that's unquestionably Bill Cowher.