The New York Knicks have largely ridden a coaching carousel ever since two-time NBA champion Red Holzman retired in 1982, and they hope new basketball operations president Leon Rose will find someone who attacks for years to come.
According to SNY.tv’s Ian Begley, the team is expected to conduct “short introductory interviews” for their coaching position next week via video conference. F ormal interviews would follow.
The New York Knicks are reportedly throwing a large net in their search for coaches and planning to interview former Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves coach Tom Thibodeau, assistant to San Antonio Spurs coach, Will Hardy, assistant Philadelphia 76s, Ime Udoka, Orlando Pat Delany’s magic assistant, Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosely, bull assistant Chris Fleming, former Knicks coach Mike Woodson and former Brooklyn Nets coach Kenny Atkinson.
Begley also cited Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon as “a name to watch.” Former NBA guards and coaches Jason Kidd and Mark Jackson also have support among members of the organization, as well as former Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown.
Knicks’ interim head coach Mike Miller will reportedly receive an interview and Begley said the team is expected to offer him another role in the organization (or in an assistant position) if he didn’t get the gig. full time.
Note that Rose has been “deeply affected by Miller” this season, for Begley, although the president officially took office only nine days before the NBA season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Thibodeau is considered the favorite, with Atkinson also a strong candidate. Like Miller, Woodson would be considered for an assistant role if he did not receive the position of head coach.
Thirteen head coaches or interim coaches have chaired the Knicks’ margins since December 2001, when Jeff Van Gundy resigned from his position. Since then the team has released only three winning seasons, all from 2010-11 to 2012-13. The Knicks have not made the playoffs in seven years.