If Todd Haley Is Fired, Who Takes over as Next Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach?

Earlier this week, the National Football Post brought up the possibility of the Kansas City Chiefs letting go of head coach Todd Haley after this season. 

As NFP's Jeff Fedotin wrote, "Chiefs head coach Todd Haley’s contract expires after the 2012 season. So the team has three options—fire him, extend his contract or do nothing and relegate him to lame duck status next year." 

While Haley and the Chiefs are just a year removed from winning the AFC West in 2010, Kansas City's 0-3 start and the subsequent disappointing 2011 season that followed has fueled the debate regarding Haley's future.

Nick Wright of 610 Sports in Kansas City reported earlier in the season that if the Chiefs hadn't beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4, Scott Pioli would have fired Haley. The thought of Haley being let go isn't as far-fetched as it may seem.

While I still think that Haley's firing is a long-shot—he's only 44 years old and the Chiefs have five games to play yet in 2011—the following coaches could be candidates to take over for him if the Chiefs do decide to let him go after this season.

Rob Ryan

The current defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys, Ryan will surely generate some head coaching interest this offseason.

The flamboyant style that works so well for his brother in New York might not be as appealing in Kansas City, however.

Romeo Crennel

Crennel has been a head coach in the past and is also the Chiefs defensive coordinator, which makes for an easy transition if Pioli does decide to let Haley go.   

Perry Fewell

The Giants' defensive coordinator briefly took over the Bills head coaching position after they fired Dick Jauron in 2009. Fewell is widely considered one of the top assistant coaches in the NFL right now. 

Russ Grimm

Like Fewell, Grimm is considered one of the top assistant coaches. He is currently the Arizona Cardinals' assistant head coach and offensive line coach. 

Dirk Koetter

Currently the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator, Koetter has been a head coach at the college ranks with stints at Boise State and Arizona State.