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Giants coach Tom Coughlin is believed to have one of the best jobs in the business.

(Chris Faytok | NJ Advance Media)

Whenever the Giants head coaching job does become available, expect a line wrapping around the corner. And expect some of the biggest names in the profession linked to the opening.

That's because the Giants coaching job is the "gold standard" of the entire profession, according to NFL Network reporter Albert Breer and analyst Daniel Jeremiah.

Breer and Jeremiah discussed potential coaching openings in the "Move the Sticks" podcast this week and the Giants job was mentioned even though neither seemed to think Tom Coughlin wouldn't return for at least another season. The reason the Giants still entered the discussion was one of the biggest coaching names in the business ‐ Alabama's Nick Saban.

"I don't think he's going to leave for just anywhere but ... I think there is an obvious admiration there from the Mara family and if Tom Coughlin and the Giants were to cut ties, whether it's this year, next year or whenever, I wouldn't be totally shocked to see the New York Giants make a run at Nick Saban," Breer said. "I'm not saying that Saban would go for just any pro job at this point. But you've got to understand, the Giants job is kind of the gold standard job for the entire profession when it comes to football coaches and I would imagine Nick Saban would at least take that phone call.

"I don't know if he would necessarily leave Alabama, but it's one of those where it's such a good job that you almost owe it to yourself to listen."

It just goes to show what people think of the Giants job and organization. Breer is plugged in league circles. He talks with coaches constantly. And he raved about the attractiveness of the job.

Jeremiah is a former NFL scout who has worked for quality, winning organizations like the Ravens and Eagles. He knows first-hand what it's like to work for strong franchises. Even he thought the world of the Giants.

"Because of ownership ... ownership is patient, they have all the resources you need, it's just a track record of winning. It's just the gold standard," he said.

At that point, Breer chimed back in:

"They let you do your job. And the market. It's New York, the history, all of that. The Giants job is the one if it is sitting there open, then you're probably talking about that changing the dynamic for everybody else."

Even Nick Saban, who the story goes almost became the Giants coach when Jim Fassel was hired in 1997. And Saban likely wouldn't be the only big name linked to the Giants if Coughlin stepped aside. Former Steelers coach Bill Cowher's name would almost certainly be mentioned. Jim Harbaugh too, if it were this year. Behind the scenes, all sorts of coaches from all different current positions would be angling for the Giants gig.

Speaking with people in and around the league, there is great admiration for the franchise that has won four Super Bowls in the past 28 years. Rarely is there a negative opinion. The organization is viewed as loyal and, most importantly, stable.

It begins with ownership. The Mara and Tisch families demand great respect in league circles. John Mara is considered one of the most respected men in the business. The job description requires working with him on a regular basis, and most seem to view that as a positive.

Mara is known to provide the necessary support and resources, all without meddling. He lets the coach do his job.

And that is what most coaches want. They want to be able to do their jobs without unnecessary distractions, and do it without an impetuous owner looking over their shoulder. That may be the most important part of what makes the Giants the "gold standard" of coaching jobs. And it's a reason to believe the Giants could grab the attention of coaching candidates like Saban, if they so desire.

Jordan Raanan may be reached at jraanan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanRaanan. Find NJ.com Giants on Facebook.