Names Emerge As Early Candidates for New York Giants Head Coach Vacancy

Immediately after the New York Giants announced the firing of head coach Pat Shurmur, rumors began swirling. Names of potential candidates began to leak. The list is not short on quality and the Giants have the opportunity to battle with the Cleveland Browns, Washington Redskins, and Carolina Panthers, all of whom are seeking new head coaches. The Dallas Cowboys may also be in the mix as Jason Garrett’s contract is expiring.

Washington appears set to hire former Panthers coach Ron Rivera.

So who are the Giants likely top targets? Well, some names and interviews have already been announced.

The first scheduled interview will be Thursday when the organization speaks with Cowboys defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator. Kris Richard. With the Cowboys season complete, the Giants are allowed to interview him right away.

New York has requested permission to interview New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as well as Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. The Giants would need to wait until the Patriots are eliminated from the playoffs to interview McDaniels, however they are allowed to interview Bieniemy immediately since the Chiefs have a first round bye. No scheduled interview has been announced at this time.

The other top candidate expected to garner serious interest from the Giants is Baylor head coach, Matt Rhule.  Since Rhule is not an assistant under contract with an NFL team, the Giants do not need to request permission to interview him. Baylor is set to play Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Years Day. Expect the Giants to seek an interview with Rhule soon after.

Update: Multiple reports have surfaced Tuesday morning stating the Giants will interview former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.