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By: Marco Imperati | Featured Columnist

After a week of evaluation and careful analysis, Tom Coughlin made the decision to fire Perry Fewell and surprisingly, Cornerback’s coach Peter Giunta.

Looking ahead, who are some names that could be expected to be on the radar? Well the list is full of great candidates. As I wrote about in early December, like last year with Ben McAdoo, you never can predict a name that surfaces late in a hiring process. However for now, let’s look at a short list that should pop up.

Steve Spagnuolo—“ Spags” is the beloved former Giants Defensive Coordinator that masterfully and successfully game planned vs the 18-0 New England Patriots in Superbowl 42. He is now coaching with the Baltimore Ravens. Most likely if the Giants want to speak with him, it’s going to have to wait until Baltimore is eliminated from the playoffs. Spagnuolo is an assistant coach with the Ravens and is coaching the secondary.

Pepper Johnson—The former Giants linebacker, under the guidance of Bill Parcells, who’s name popped up when the Giants hired Perry Fewell has certainly garnered the attention of fans and respected colleagues. Carl Banks has been pushing for his former teammate to get hired. Johnson has coached several different types of defenses with the Patriots and learned well under Bill Belichick before leaving to coach a monstrous defensive line in Buffalo this year.

Mike Smith—Most recently coached the Atlanta Falcons. He is a defensive coach by nature coming up with the Baltimore Ravens. He is also a close friend of Tom Coughlin’s and may like to come here in what is shaping up to be a do-or-die season for Coughlin.

Jim Schwartz—The former Tennessee Titans Defensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions head coach, and this season was the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills. He is a younger coach that has all the makings to be a head coach again somewhere. Interesting note to follow is a certain defensive tackle Schwartz use to coach in Detroit who is set to hit the open market as a free agent. Anyone hear of Ndamukong Suh?

Al Holcomb—He’s the flyer that no one is talking about, yet. Currently coaching Linebackers for a Carolina Panthers defense that ranks 2nd in total defense. If the name sounds familiar to Giants fans who follow the team closely, it should. Holcomb spent four seasons with the Giants, serving as a defensive assistant from 2011-12 and quality control coach from 2009-10. Next season is as packed with pressure as one can remember so it’s hard to imagine the Giants choosing someone who has little experience as Holcomb does in the NFL compared to other coaches mentioned.

However, like last year—you never know. Hang on Giants fans, it’s going to be a fun few weeks.