A week ago, it appeared as if Jim Fassel, coming off a 4-12 season with the Giants, was the hottest coaching candidate in the NFL. At the moment, Fassel’s options are dwindling and he faces the very real possibility of not landing a job.

Fassel took a big hit yesterday, when the Redskins shocked the league by bringing back Joe Gibbs, their own coaching legend. The one job that appeared Fassel’s for the taking was in Arizona, but the Cardinals pulled a surprise by going to Dennis Green, who had been out of the game for two years.

This past Monday Fassel was in Buffalo interviewing for the Bills vacancy. A scheduled interview with the Bears was put on hold but might come next week.

“I think the word to use is he’s disappointed but not down,” said Steve Rosner, one of Fassel’s agents. “Unfortunately things at the moment haven’t fallen his way, but he’s a fighter.”

Fassel is one of seven candidates the Bills have interviewed. Fassel and Charlie Weis, the Patriots offensive coordinator, are considered the favorites. The Giants are pulling for Fassel to land a job. If he doesn’t, the team must pay him his entire $2.7 million salary for the 2004 season.