“The New York Knicks are expected to land on two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown as the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN,” reported Shams Charania on X (formerly Twitter), signaling that the former Kings coach is set to take over at Madison Square Garden.

According to Charania, the Knicks also interviewed former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach James Borrego, and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori. However, it appears that Brown has emerged as the franchise’s top choice to take over in New York.

Brown is coming off a strong stint with the Sacramento Kings, where he led the team to a 48–34 record in the 2022–23 season as his inaugural season, and guided the franchise to its first NBA Playoff appearance since 2006.

That turnaround earned him NBA Coach of the Year honors that same season, for the second time in his career—making him the first coach in league history to win the award by unanimous vote. However, after a disappointing start to the 2024–25 season, the Kings decided to part ways with Brown following a 13–18 record.

Brown’s tenure with Popovich and Kerr

Popovich hired Brown as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in 2000, where he also served as head coach of the team’s Summer League squad. By 2003, the Spurs went on to win the NBA championship after defeating the New Jersey Nets in six games—a roster that included Steve Kerr as a player.

After head coaching stints with the Cavaliers—where he coached LeBron James—and the Lakers, Brown was hired by Steve Kerr in 2016 to join the Warriors as an associate coach. During his time in the Bay Area, he was part of three of the four championships won by the Golden State dynasty.

According to Shams Charania, the New York Knicks and Mike Brown plan to meet for a second time with him for the head coach position. This move would mark Brown’s return to a leadership role after his tenure with the Sacramento Kings. However, neither party has officially confirmed his appointment yet.

Although Mike Brown has not yet secured an NBA championship as a head coach, he has crafted legendary projects like the 2009 Cleveland Cavaliers. That season, he guided the team to a stellar 66-16 record, earning him his first Coach of the Year award. Despite his dismissal from the Cavaliers, he successfully led the franchise to five consecutive postseason appearances.

His last stint with the Sacramento Kings showcased his remarkable ability to transform teams. In his debut season, he set a franchise record with a 48-34 performance, steering the Kings to the playoffs for the first time in 17 years. This significant impact earned him his second NBA Coach of the Year award, marking the first unanimous selection for the award in history.

Who else are the Knicks reportedly considering for their head coach opening?

The New York Knicks’ search for a new head coach excites fans, with Mike Brown as a top candidate. However, the team also explores other options. According to James L. Edwards of The Athletic, Taylor Jenkins and James Borrego remain strong contenders. Both lack extensive head coaching experience, but the Knicks still consider them viable options.

Furthermore, the team monitors Jason Kidd’s status with the Dallas Mavericks. Though the Mavericks want to keep Kidd, his coaching staff might change. Sean Sweeney, Jared Dudley, and God Shammgod could leave, potentially influencing Kidd’s future. This situation keeps the Knicks interested in him, as reported by The Athletic. By exploring these possibilities, they aim to find the best leader for the upcoming season.

“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.

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.

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.

“The players wanted him gone. There’s a lot of pressure on them next season because now, if you fire the coach, and this is what you wanted, now you gotta step up. I’ve been in this situation back in the Lakers. I wanted a coach gone. Right? Paul Westhead. And it all fell on me. If I wanted him gone, now I gotta step up and we gotta win the championship. That same year that we fired Westhead, we went on and won the championship. So, all the excuses are gone now. Next season Brunson, if Karl-Anthony Towns comes back, all you guys, the pressure is on them.”

Right now, the New York Knicks are the most controversial topic in the NBA, as it seems they had no backup plan after letting go of Thibodeau. As a result, fans and experts alike can’t understand how they could fire the man who led them to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades.

Why did the Knicks fire head coach Tom Thibodeau?

The Knicks likely fired Tom Thibodeau because team ownership believed that the roster they had should have reached the NBA Finals. New York was favored over the Indiana Pacers and had home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Undoubtedly, Thibodeau’s lack of success in the playoffs overshadowed his strong work during the regular season for many years, and the Knicks, in a miscalculation, believed they could easily find a star replacement on the market.

However, several teams have slammed the door in their face to prevent them from interviewing potential candidates like Jason Kidd or Chris Finch. Now, it seems the Knicks have run out of options and may not find anything better than what they had with Thibs.

“This is my first firing. Obviously, I’ve known him my entire life, but, I remember having conversations and moments with him in 8th grade when we moved to Chicago. And to see where he helped me become two-time All-Star, two-time All-NBA. The things he’s done for me individually. I’m so grateful for it. He had that confidence in me that I knew I had, but it’s great to see someone push me to be better. To have Thibs, and to do what he did for my career, I’m so grateful and thankful for. Not enough things can be said about what he’s meant to myself and my career.”

Thibodeau gave the Knicks their best season in 25 years in the NBA by leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals. However, despite being the favorites and having home-court advantage, they couldn’t get past Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers.

Who will be the next coach for the Knicks?

Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, and Quin Snyder were options to become the next coach of the Knicks, but the Mavericks, Rockets, Timberwolves, and Hawks blocked New York from interviewing them.

Now, the situation is filled with uncertainty. However, amid all the criticism directed at Thibodeau, Josh Hart spoke up in his defense through his official X account. “All yall talking trash about Thibs lame as hell. A different direction was taken but yall should be appreciative for what he did for the team and organization”.

Additionally, on the podcast, Hart followed that same line. “We want to give a shoutout to Thibs. You know, especially for myself. He helped make me into the player I am. I had a lot of instability in the early part of my career and he gave me that stability and that opportunity to flourish as a player in the league. A starter in the league. So, I’m always going to be forever grateful for him. This is always a tough part of the NBA because you grow relationships not just on the court but off the court and personal relationships. So, I always got love for him. It’s always tough when there’s a coaching change.”

Understanding the necessity of success in the upcoming season, especially after narrowly missing the conference crown due to various missteps, the Knicks are reportedly prioritizing the acquisition of a top-tier head coach. However, the search has proven challenging for the iconic franchise.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks have encountered resistance in their pursuit of potential candidates. “The Knicks have been denied permission to interview Milwaukee’s Jason Kidd, Minnesota’s Chris Finch, and Houston’s Ime Udoka,” Charania reported on his X account.

Charania further disclosed that the most recent rejection came firmly from the Dallas Mavericks. “The New York Knicks requested permission on Wednesday morning to speak with Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, but Dallas swiftly declined,” Charania noted.

Knicks reportedly decline interviews with Milwaukee Bucks candidates

The Knicks’ search for a new head coach hit a snag as reports indicate that two potential candidates from the Milwaukee Bucks have declined interview opportunities. While the Knicks are in pursuit of a seasoned coach, they had sought permission to interview both Doc Rivers and Darvin Ham, who are currently affiliated with the Bucks.

However, despite being granted permission, the Knicks opted not to proceed with interviews for Rivers and Ham. The organization continues to explore other candidates, though no additional names have been disclosed beyond those mentioned by Charania.

Knicks aim high: Pursuit of NBA star Kevin Durant

With the current roster, the Knicks are eager to build a competitive team for the upcoming NBA season. Another report from Charania highlights that the Knicks are in contention to acquire superstar Kevin Durant. However, they are waiting on the Phoenix Suns’ front office for their stance on a potential trade.

Charania shared via his social media platform, X, “The Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant’s business partner, Rich Kleiman, are sorting through trade options – with interested teams mainly featuring Houston, San Antonio, Minnesota, Miami, and New York.“

The decision raised eyebrows as New York had a remarkable postseason run, defeating the defending champion Boston Celtics in six games before coming within two victories of the NBA Finals. Eight days after his firing, Thibodeau addressed Knicks fans with a heartfelt message.

“To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you. When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that dream became a reality,” Thibodeau began.

He went on to thank the players, coaching staff, and the entire organization. “Thank you to our players and coaching staff who gave everything they had, and to everyone who makes this franchise special,” he continued. “I am proud of everything we accomplished together, including four playoff appearances and this year’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals — our first in 25 years”.

Thibodeau closed by addressing the fans, expressing his deep appreciation. “And to the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one. Watching you support our team, and seeing the Garden ignite with that incomparable Knicks energy, is something I will never forget. With gratitude and respect, Tom Thibodeau,” he concluded.

Who could replace Thibodeau at the Knicks?

One name in the mix of the possible coaches to take the job is Michael Malone, who was let go by the Denver Nuggets. Malone, who has yet to sign with another team, worked as part of ESPN’s coverage of the Western Conference Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves after his dismissal.

“The New York Knicks are expected to formally request permission to speak to the Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd about their coaching vacancy in coming days, league sources say,” Marc Stein reported, via Stein Line. Furthermore, NBA insider Scoop B revealed that the Mavericks have left the decision to Kidd. Consequently, Jason is now considering whether to interview with the Knicks in the coming days, offering an intriguing twist to this unfolding saga.

Knicks fans have eagerly anticipated Jason’s potential arrival, seeing him as a crucial piece in their journey toward a coveted NBA title. They are optimistic that recent roster changes, coupled with Kyrie Irving’s serious injury, increase the likelihood of him joining the team. Many argue that joining the Knicks would position Jason closer to a championship victory, a prospect that entices him as he aims for his first title as a coach.

Moreover, NBA insiders like Gery Woelfel report the Knicks have an audacious plan. They might make a ‘tsunami-type’ offer for Giannis Antetokounmpo. While these moves remain speculative, they highlight the ambition. The franchise is eager to end its championship drought dating back to 1973. The Knicks aim to reestablish themselves as serious contenders on the league stage.

Report: NBA Insider reveals unexpected reason behind New York Knicks’ decision to fire Tom Thibodeau

Tom Thibodeau, now gone from the franchise, leaves a remarkable legacy with the New York Knicks. Under his leadership, the team evolved from outsiders to regular postseason contenders. They reached the playoffs four times during his five-year tenure. This marked a significant turnaround after eight years without postseason action. Furthermore, Thibodeau guided the Knicks to their first conference finals appearance in 25 years.

Despite these achievements, controversy surrounds his dismissal. Within days, Ramona Shelburne commented on ESPN about one critical factor. She reported that Jalen Brunson’s excessive usage contributed significantly to Thibodeau’s firing. An NBA source also informed her about Brunson’s injury struggles. This situation emphasized the need for a more balanced offensive system. Such a system would help Jalen hold up long-term throughout the demanding season.

According to HoopsHype, Thibodeau ranked among the highest-paid coaches in the NBA during the 2024–25 season, with an annual salary of $11 million. Redick, meanwhile, is earning $8 million in his first year as a head coach with the Lakers, placing him in the middle of the NBA’s salary rankings. He is tied for 13th place alongside Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder.

At the start of the season last October, Thibodeau was the sixth-highest-paid coach in the league. Since then, two of the top five have left their posts: Gregg Popovich (second with $17 million at San Antonio Spurs) and Michael Malone (fifth with $12 million at Denver Nuggets).

This placed the Knicks coach in an elite group, tied with Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, and trailing only Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, and Tyronn Lue. The Golden State Warriors pay Kerr $17.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid coach in the league. Below him are the head coaches of the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, each earning $15 million.

Thibodeau’s high status was backed by his results in New York. He took over in the summer of 2020 after previous head coaching stints with the Chicago Bulls (2010–2015) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2016–2019), and brought stability and success to the Knicks.

He led the team to the Eastern Conference Playoffs in four of his five seasons—an achievement considering the franchise’s instability following the retirement of Patrick Ewing. Over the past three years, Tom guided the Knicks to two semifinal appearances (lost to the Heat and the Pacers) and one Conference Finals—their first in 25 years.

With Thibodeau’s departure now confirmed, speculation turns to who will lead Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns next NBA season. According to ClutchPoints, current favorites include former Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, recently dismissed Denver coach Michael Malone, Kenny Atkinson, current coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and former NCAA coach Jay Wright.

“The Knicks are singularly focused on their pursuit of a championship and believe a new voice will serve as the focus for the organization’s next step, sources said. After five seasons with the Knicks, Tom Thibodeau is out as head coach,” Shams Charania reported, via X, formerly Twitter.

Knicks fans were stunned by this decision, particularly given his impressive track record with the franchise. Thibodeau led the franchise to the playoffs four times in his five-year tenure. Moreover, his roster construction was one of the strongest in the league. He demonstrated strategic prowess. Notably, Tom played a pivotal role in elevating Jalen Brunson’s game, transforming him into one of the league’s premier players.

With this strategic move, the New York Knicks aim to elevate their status in the league. They plan to enhance their starting lineup and bolster bench strength. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the franchise seeks a marquee player to transform their roster into a real contender for the 2025-26 championship.

What was Tom Thibodeau’s record as Knicks head coach?

Tom Thibodeau’s tenure with the New York Knicks could conclude following a tough elimination by the Indiana Pacers. However, his contributions to the franchise have been significant. Over five seasons, Thibodeau guided the team to a 226-174 record, cementing his status as the fourth-winningest head coach in the organization’s history.

Remarkably, he also led the Knicks to their first conference finals appearance since 2000, highlighting his impactful leadership on the court. He not only delivered impressive statistics but also elevated the performance of the Knicks’ core players, transforming the team into a highly competitive force.

“Behind the scenes, they (Knicks players) and coaches expressed frustration with Towns’ defensive habits — less concerned with his talent level and more with his process on that end. Too often, Towns executed incorrect coverages without communicating why he did it. After it became a theme, players worried Towns didn’t grasp the importance of the matter,“ Fred Katz and James Edwards reported, via The Athletic.

Despite his weaknesses on defense, Karl-Anthony managed to have a more than solid game 6 playing 38 minutes scoring 22 points, and contributing with 14 rebounds, being the player with the highest contribution in this aspect. In addition, he had his best offensive performance in the conference finals of his career, averaging 24.8 points in the six games.

Having stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns brings both promise and concern for the Knicks. They dominate offensively and can change the momentum of a game. However, they often leave gaps on defense, which teams exploit in key moments.

Because of this, many fans believe their defensive struggles played a major role in the team’s elimination. As a result, head coach Tom Thibodeau faces a critical task. He must build a system that protects the paint and defends the perimeter, while still allowing Brunson and Towns to thrive on offense.

Tom Thibodeau’s future with the New York Knicks has reportedly been settled

The New York Knicks delivered an impressive season, sparking championship dreams among their fans. However, their defeat in the conference finals shattered those hopes. Consequently, speculation about potential team changes raised questions about Tom Thibodeau‘s future with the franchise. Yet, a recent report claims the team may have already made decisions regarding his role.

“The coach has the backing of team president Leon Rose, league sources said, as well as full buy-in from Brunson, who signed with the Knicks in 2022 in part because he wanted to play for Thibodeau. But ultimately, owner James Dolan is the final decision-maker,” Fred Katz and James Edwards affirmed, via The Athletic.

Although the Knicks have not confirmed Tom’s continuity, fans remain excited about the possibility of him staying with the team. Over the past three seasons, his guidance has led to deep playoff runs. Securing his continuity could solidify a championship-caliber project in the near future.