Mike Miller, who served as the Knicks’ interim head coach after the franchise fired David Fizdale on December 6, is set to pursue other opportunities, in part, due to an alleged bench hierarchy.
Johnnie Bryant, Kenny Payne would probably be ahead of him on the bench of new coach Tom Thibodeau. The Knicks took over Thibodeau in late July.
Mike Woodson, the former Knicks assistant (2011-12) and head coach (2012-14), would likely be ahead of Miller.
Miller did well with the Knicks after taking over from Fizdale, going 17-27 after a 4-18 start. The Knicks finished the 2019-20 season, which ended for the team on March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic, at 21-45 overall.
With another club, Miller may be able to get more than a fourth assistant job.
The Knicks’ door isn’t completely closed on a possible return for Miller, but he won’t be as an assistant under Thibodeau.
As SNY reported, Miller impressed President Leon Rose during their brief time together.
The Knicks had an interest in Miller returning as an assistant or in another capacity.
There remains a strong internal interest in the Knicks bringing Woodson to Thibodeau’s staff. Miller is no longer a candidate for Thibodeau’s staff was first reported Tuesday night by the New York Daily News.