The New York Knicks have opened their search for a new coach to a wide range of candidates, but Tom Thibodeau is reportedly still the job leader.
Mart Berman of the New York Post released an information column on the Knicks’ coaching research on Tuesday. He says the team has already passed the second round of interviews with the coach. Jason Kidd was reportedly impressive in his interview, but Thibodeau is considered the favorite.
Thibodeau had his formal interview with the Knicks last week.
Thibodeau hasn’t trained since he was fired from the Minnesota Timberwolves in January 2019. The 62-year-old has been close to the new Knicks manager Leon Rose for two decades, resulting from Rose’s time as an agent at the CAA, which is the agency that represents Thibodeau. Thibodeau also worked as an assistant coach for the Knicks from 1996 to 2004, so he has previous ties to the organization.
The Knicks went 21-45 before the season was suspended and will not be part of Orlando’s restart.