Following weeks of speculation and rumors about his future, Tom Coughlin officially stepped down as Giants head coach.

Coughlin is hailed for winning two Super Bowl trophies during his 12 seasons at the helm for New York. However, his job status was in jeopardy after a third straight losing season and failing to make the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

The biggest question now is who succeeds the popular and well-respected Coughlin.

Here are some names generating early buzz for the job:

  • Ron Antonelli, Getty Images
    Ron Antonelli, Getty Images
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    1

    Ben McAdoo

    The Giants offensive coordinator has one huge advantage over other candidates, the support of Eli Manning, who has thrived in two seasons in McAdoo's system.

    While many view him as a future head coach, the question is whether the 38-year-old is ready right now.

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    Scott Eisen, Getty Images
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    2

    Josh McDaniels

    The Patriots offensive coordinator is rumored to be a leading candidate for many of the coaching vacancies.

    McDaniels has made huge strides and fixed his reputation after a disastrous stint as Broncos head coach.

    Not many better ways to build a resume than by working and thriving with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.

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    Harry How, Getty Images
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    3

    David Shaw

    The Stanford coach has never had higher value after another Rose Bowl win.

    The 41-year-old is a rising star and coveted by many NFL teams because of his solid coaching background and sustained success.

    But, Shaw maintains that he loves his current job and living situation at Stanford. He continues to say he does not want to jump to the NFL.

    Would a chance to lead the Giants change his mind?

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    Scott Cunningham, Getty Images
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    4

    Sean Payton

    The situation with the Saints head coach bears watching.

    The relationship with Payton and New Orleans is very murky. Would they let him leave? What would the compensation be to bring him to the Giants?

    Those are two very big questions and potential hurdles.

    Payton does have Giants ties as an assistant under Jim Fassel, head coaching experience and success, and a solid offensive background that can blend well with franchise QB Eli Manning.

  • Joe Robbins, Getty Images
    Joe Robbins, Getty Images
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    5

    Hue Jackson

    The Bengals offensive coordinator is one of the hottest names on the market.

    Jackson has a terrific reputation for his communication and ability to connect with players.

     

  • NFL via Getty Images
    NFL via Getty Images
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    6

    Sean McDermott

    The Panthers defensive coordinator is another name generating a ton of buzz for the NFL coaching vacancies.

    McDermott has a solid scouting and coaching background. He has turned Carolina into a perennial defensive powerhouse.

    Those skills could be attractive to the Giants front office who crave a return to past defensive dominance. New York's defense finished dead last this season.

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