For NYG DC Perry Fewell, It's Denver or Nothing

Unless something unforeseen occurs in the near future, New York Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will either return to the Giants or be head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2011.

The Cleveland Browns have hired St. Louis offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to be the team's new head coach. The move leaves the Broncos as Fewell's only possible new home next football season, as the Carolina Panthers hired Ron Rivera on January 12. Ironically, former Carolina head coach John Fox is one of the candidates competing with Fewell for the Denver job. It has been rumored that Rick Dennison, current Houston Texans offensive coordinator, is the leading candidate for that particular position.

Fewell's chances to land a head coaching position in 2011 may have been hurt by his defense's December meltdowns. The team allowed 21 offensive points in the final eight minutes against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 19 in what is now an historic choke. The following Sunday, the Green Bay Packers blew New York out 45-17.

The Giants have made it clear that head coach Tom Coughlin will be with the team for the next few years, at least. The Giants have also taken zero steps in naming Fewell to be the "head coach in waiting" a la Jim Caldwell in 2008. If Fewell doesn't land the job in Denver, expect to see him taking more job interviews one year from now.