The New York Knicks are interested in Dawn Staley as a potential head coach. According to a report by Jalen Martin and Knicks Fan TV, the South Carolina college basketball legend has been considered as an option by the team’s front office after the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau.
“Knicks News: According to league sources, both Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown are headed for a second round of interviews. Micah Nori is still being considered. The Knicks have also reached out to South Carolina HC Dawn Staley about the job.”
The arrival of a woman to one of the most popular teams in the NBA would be a historic step for basketball. However, the information should be taken with caution, as the list of candidates is extensive. Even so, Staley’s name is in the mix, and that has generated major buzz on social media.
Who is Dawn Staley?
Dawn Staley is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of basketball. Her journey began as a standout point guard at the University of Virginia, where she was a two-time National Player of the Year and led her team to three Final Fours.
She later starred for Team USA, winning three Olympic gold medals (Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004). As a professional, Staley played in the WNBA for eight seasons, earning six All-Star selections from 2001 to 2006.
Transitioning seamlessly from player to coach, Staley began her coaching career at Temple University while still active in the WNBA. She quickly made her mark, leading Temple to six NCAA Tournament appearances. However, it was at the University of South Carolina where she built a powerhouse.
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Since 2008, she has turned the Gamecocks into a national force, winning NCAA championships in 2017, 2022, and most recently in 2024 with an undefeated 38–0 season.
Who will be the next Knicks head coach?
The New York Knicks have faced multiple roadblocks in their search for a new head coach, as several NBA teams have denied them permission to interview current coaches.
The Dallas Mavericks refused to allow talks with Jason Kidd after leading the team to the 2024 NBA Finals. Similarly, the Houston Rockets blocked access to Ime Udoka, while the Minnesota Timberwolves declined the Knicks’ request to speak with Chris Finch.
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The Atlanta Hawks also firmly denied an interview with Quin Snyder, and the Chicago Bulls did the same regarding Billy Donovan. These setbacks have forced the Knicks to explore other options, including available or former coaches.
If hired by the New York Knicks, Staley would make history as the first woman to coach an NBA team. A groundbreaking step not only for the franchise but for the league as a whole.
