Green Bay Packers Head Coach Search: 8 Candidates That Could Be Part Of Team's Early Wish List

Lingering doubts about Mike McCarthy's future with the Green Bay Packers (4-7-1) were laid to rest Sunday. The team announced they were parting ways with the longtime head coach following a home loss to the lowly Arizona Cardinals (3-9) that likely ended the team's playoff hopes.

Now, the Packers have to search for a head coach for the first time since 2006.

In late November, with McCarthy on the hot seat, there had been speculation about who might take over the famed organization. Several names surfaced, but it was unclear about the level of interest of both sides. What is clear is that whoever accepts the job will be working with star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who signed a new contract in August.

Ryan Glasspiegel of The Big Lead listed Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, Oklahoma Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney, Baylor head coach Matt Rhule and New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. as possible replacements for McCarthy.

Of the list, McDaniels and Carmichael might be the most obvious choices as accomplished and successful coordinators. It remains to be seen how sought after McDaniels will be after his stunning about-face after being hired by the Colts this past offseason.

It is possible that the Packers make a bolder move in their head coach search. Two interesting names might arise from the Big Ten, though they both might be longshots.

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, the brother of John Harbaugh, could be an option, as the Wolverines have failed to reach the College Football Playoff since his arrival in 2015. The former Chicago Bears quarterback also brings NFL experience after spending four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, leading the team to the Super Bowl and a 44-19-1 record.

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer would be an outside-the-box choice since he has never coached in the NFL. But Meyer's resume is impressive in the college ranks, having won a total of three national championships with Florida and Ohio State. There has been talk that Meyer might step down as head coach following reports in August that knew about spousal abuse allegations against assistant coach Zach Smith. Meyer was later placed on administrative leave.

However, Meyer recently shut down the notion of coaching anywhere but Columbus next year, and there is no indication he would go to the NFL after that. There has been speculation that Meyer could retire soon due to health problems.