Former Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson interviewed the New York Knicks on Monday for the vacancy as head coach, according to journalist Jonathan Macri.
Marc Berman of the New York Post confirmed the relationship and added that it was Atkinson’s second or third interview with the team, which is doing “very thorough” work in finding a new manager.
According to The Athletic’s Mike Vorkunov, Tom Thibodeau “remains first place” for the job.
The Knicks have considered a long list of candidates which also includes interim coach Mike Miller, Lakers assistant Jason Kidd, Warriors associate head coach Mike Brown, 76er assistant Ime Udoka, Spurs assistant Will Hardy, the assistant to the bulls Chris Fleming, the magical assistant Pat Delany and the Assistant Mavericks Jamahl Mosely, for Howie Kussoy of the New York Post.
Thibodeau has been a favorite for the position since at least May, according to Vorkunov and Shams Charania. However, Atkinson could also be a quality candidate.
The 53-year-old spent almost four seasons with goals, turning the team from one of the worst in the NBA into a playoff team in 2018-19.
He helped bring last year’s team led by D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie to seed no. 6 in the East before losing in the first round.
Brooklyn and Atkinson split after 62 games this year with a record 28-34. Star point Kyrie Irving has soured for Yahoo Sports’s Vincent Goodwill.
The coach could start all over again with a young Knicks team that is trying to change things after seven consecutive lost seasons. Previously, Atkinson worked as an assistant in the organization from 2008 to 2012.