Possible candidates for Vikings' head coaching job

Todd Bowles, Cardinals defensive coordinator: Will be among the most popular candidates as teams race to interview.

Jack Del Rio, Broncos defensive coordinator: Former Vikings linebacker was Jacksonville's head coach for eight seasons.

James Franklin, Vanderbilt: A successful college prospect who will get interest from the NFL. Was a Packers assistant in 2005.

Adam Gase, Broncos offensive coordinator: Sure, he benefited from having Peyton Manning, but the 35-year old Gase might be a star on the rise.

Jay Gruden, Bengals offensive coordinator: Forget his brother Jon, who would want too much power. Jay runs a heck of an offense.

Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator: Struggled as Denver's head coach in the Tebow Era, but still considered a polished apple from the Belichick tree.

Lovie Smith

Dan Quinn, Seahawks defensive coordinator: Seattle's a Super Bowl favorite, and Quinn will be a coordinator who gets a lot of looks.

Greg Roman, 49ers offensive coordinator: Will be a hot candidate after juggling San Francisco's various offenses in its successful run under Jim Harbaugh.

David Shaw, Stanford coach: Says he has no interest in the NFL, which means "I have a lot of interest in the NFL."

Lovie Smith, ex-Chicago coach: Smith sat out a year after being fired in Chicago, but he had an 81-63 record there and knows the NFL well.

Ken Whisenhunt, Chargers offensive coordinator: Former Cardinals head coach helped San Diego get into the playoffs.

Mike Zimmer, Bengals defensive coordinator: Zimmer is a hard-nosed guy who will get a chance somewhere soon.