Jay Wright is not expected to coach the New York Knicks despite ties to Villanova stars like Jalen Brunson. Analysts Seth Davis and Jeff Goodman weigh in.

The New York Knicks’ search for a new head coach is officially underway following the shocking dismissal of Tom Thibodeau, who led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in nearly 25 years. While former Villanova coach Jay Wright has been floated as a possible successor, insiders and analysts suggest fans should cross his name off the list.

Seth Davis, a respected college basketball analyst and television colleague of Wright, took to social media to dispel the rumors:

“I have been working with Jay Wright on TV for three years. Based on every conversation we have had, I would say there is a greater chance that I will be the next Knicks coach than him. The difference is if they call me I will say yes,” Davis joked via X (formerly Twitter).

Why Wright’s Name Emerged

The speculation linking Wright to the Knicks wasn’t entirely unfounded. Several Knicks stars—most notably Jalen Brunson, a cornerstone of the franchise—played under Wright at Villanova, where they won two NCAA championships together. That familiarity naturally led to whispers that the championship-winning coach could reunite with his former players at the pro level.

However, fellow analyst Jeff Goodman quickly pointed out the challenges that come with that leap:

“It’s also very different coaching guys in college and coaching the same guys in the NBA,” Goodman stated on X, underlining the stark contrast in managing professional stars versus college athletes.

Wright’s Focus Remains on Broadcasting

Since stepping down from coaching in 2022, Jay Wright has transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, working as a college basketball analyst for both CBS and TNT Sports. He’s shown little public interest in returning to coaching—let alone stepping into the pressure cooker that is Madison Square Garden.

With Wright likely out of the running, the Knicks will have to look elsewhere as they aim to capitalize on a talented, playoff-tested roster led by Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

What’s Next for New York?

Names like Michael Malone, Mike Budenholzer, Taylor Jenkins, and Sam Cassell have already surfaced as potential replacements. The decision the Knicks make in the coming weeks could define the next chapter of this franchise—one that’s on the brink of championship contention.

John McEnroe reacts live from the French Open to the New York Knicks’ shocking decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau after ECF exit. “That is a bummer.”

The basketball world was left reeling on Tuesday morning when reports emerged that the New York Knicks had fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, just days after their Eastern Conference Finals exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.

Thibodeau, who led the Knicks to three straight winning seasons and playoff series victories—a feat unmatched since the Jeff Van Gundy era of the 1990s—was abruptly dismissed after five seasons at the helm. The move shocked fans, analysts, and players alike, who saw Thibodeau as a key figure in restoring the franchise’s credibility.

News of the firing spread rapidly through the sports world, reaching even as far as Roland Garros, where former tennis legend and Knicks superfan John McEnroe was commentating on the French Open.

During coverage of a match between Carlos Alcaraz and Tommy Paul, the cameras panned to former Knicks guard Derrick Rose in the crowd. Seizing the moment, McEnroe addressed the breaking NBA news between points.

“That’s pretty harsh,” McEnroe said with a tone of surprise. “That is a bummer.”

His brother Patrick McEnroe, who was handling play-by-play duties for the match, responded in kind:

“It’s a tough business.”

The moment captured the emotion shared by countless Knicks supporters—many of whom have credited Thibodeau with transforming the team’s culture and making New York basketball relevant again.

With Thibodeau out, the focus now shifts to who will lead the Knicks next. The franchise has a strong core, high expectations, and a city hungry for a championship. But one thing is clear: the sudden dismissal of a coach who brought sustained success has left many—fans and sports icons alike—questioning the direction of the team.

Stephen A. Smith slams Knicks president Leon Rose for avoiding questions after firing head coach Tom Thibodeau. “Stop being a coward,” he says on ESPN.

The New York Knicks sent shockwaves through the NBA on Tuesday by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau, mere days after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals—the team’s deepest playoff run in over two decades. The decision, coming so abruptly after what was largely considered a successful season, left fans, players, and analysts stunned.

Following the dismissal, Knicks president Leon Rose released a brief statement explaining the move. In it, Rose said that the franchise remains “singularly focused” on winning an NBA championship, and felt that a change in leadership was necessary to take that next step.

However, not everyone bought into the explanation—or the way it was delivered.

One of the loudest critics was ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, a lifelong Knicks fan known for his unfiltered takes. Appearing on NBA Today, Smith tore into Rose for issuing a written statement instead of holding a press conference to explain the decision directly to the fans and media.

“To be quite honest with you, I think we all as New Yorkers should find Leon Rose’s statement offensive,” Smith said, visibly frustrated.

“Get the hell in front of a microphone and a camera and answer questions. Stop being a coward! Because that’s how he’s acting.”

Smith clarified that he wasn’t attacking Rose’s character as a person, but rather his lack of transparency and accountability as the president of the New York Knicks.

“I’m not calling him that as a man or as a person. I’m saying that’s how he’s been acting as president of the New York Knicks when it comes to communicating with the media and articulating the decisions you make and why they are being made.”

Thibodeau, despite heavy scrutiny during his tenure, led the Knicks to a 51-win season and helped revive the franchise’s relevance in the Eastern Conference. His dismissal has sparked serious questions about the direction of the team—and who might be brought in to replace him as head coach.

With the Knicks now searching for their next leader, one thing is clear: the fans—and vocal supporters like Stephen A. Smith—want transparency, accountability, and above all, answers.