The New York Knicks are entering a new chapter as they search for a head coach to lead the team forward. This decision follows the shocking firing of Tom Thibodeau, who was fired despite taking the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Owner James Dolan has been cited as a key driver of the move. The selection of the next Knicks head coach will be highly scrutinized due to the success Thibodeau had in his Knicks tenure and how close the Knicks were to the NFL Finals.
1) Ime Udoka
Ime Udoka is a well-regarded coach with recent experience leading an NBA team. He is currently under contract as a head coach, which complicates any potential move. His availability for the Knicks depends on permission from his current team.
Udoka has demonstrated the ability to develop young talent and run effective defenses. Despite this, reports suggest that the Knicks see him as a less likely candidate due to contractual constraints. The Houston Rockets, his current team, have shown no interest in releasing him early.
While Udoka’s coaching credentials are solid, the Knicks may face significant hurdles if they pursue him. His coaching style and experience remain appealing, but practical obstacles reduce the likelihood of him joining New York in the near term.
2) Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd is a key candidate in the Knicks’ head coaching search. He played for the Knicks during the 2012-13 season, which was his final year as an NBA player.
After retiring, Kidd transitioned to coaching and has experience leading teams deep into the playoffs. His recent role with the Dallas Mavericks brought him into contact with current Knicks players like Jalen Brunson.
The Mavericks currently have the ability to deny the Knicks’ request to interview Kidd. Despite this, Kidd’s NBA Finals appearance and coaching experience make him a notable option.
Kidd is seen as a relatively young coach with a modern approach. His previous NBA playing career gives him credibility with players.
Whether he becomes Plan A or remains a long-shot depends on the Knicks’ negotiation with Dallas and their broader coaching strategy. Kidd’s connection to the team and coaching experience keep him in the conversation.
3) Jay Wright
Jay Wright is a highly respected coach known for his long tenure at Villanova University. He built a strong reputation in college basketball with multiple NCAA championships.
Despite interest from NBA teams, Wright has expressed reluctance to transition to the NBA. He has repeatedly declined to pursue head coaching roles at the professional level.
The Knicks reportedly explored Wright as a potential candidate. However, Wright has made it clear that he is not interested in the Knicks head coaching position at this time.
His decision removes him from serious consideration in the Knicks coaching search. Wright’s preference remains rooted in college basketball rather than the NBA.
4) Johnnie Bryant
Johnnie Bryant is a strong candidate for the Knicks head coaching position. He has close ties to the team, having served as an associate head coach under Tom Thibodeau from 2020 to 2024.
After leaving the Knicks, Bryant joined the Cleveland Cavaliers as an associate head coach. His experience working with Thibodeau and managing NBA rosters makes him familiar with the Knicks’ system and culture.
Bryant is also recognized for his strategic understanding of the game and player development skills. He is considered a logical choice if the Knicks prioritize continuity while seeking fresh leadership.
Currently, Bryant is a finalist for other head coaching opportunities, which reflects his growing reputation. His combination of NBA experience and prior Knicks involvement makes him a credible contender in the search.
5) Mike Brown
Mike Brown is a well-regarded NBA coach with extensive head coaching experience. He led the Sacramento Kings to a strong regular season performance in 2022-23, earning a high playoff seed. His success in recent years has made him a notable candidate for the Knicks’ vacant head coach position.
Brown is known for his defensive coaching and ability to improve team performance. He has been linked to the Knicks coaching search multiple times in the past decade. His experience with multiple franchises adds to his appeal as a seasoned leader.
The Knicks likely see Brown as a candidate who can bring discipline and stability. His recent achievements demonstrate an ability to adapt and succeed in competitive environments. Brown’s coaching style could align with the team’s goals moving forward.
6) Luke Walton
Luke Walton is a former NBA player turned coach with six years of head coaching experience. He led the Los Angeles Lakers for three seasons and later the Sacramento Kings for another three. His coaching career has been marked by a focus on player development and team culture.
Walton has not coached since 2019 but remains involved in basketball circles. He fits the Knicks’ search criteria of hiring a coach with prior NBA head coaching experience. His familiarity with managing star players and developing young talent could appeal to New York’s roster needs.
Though Walton’s tenure as a head coach did not include playoff success, his strategic approach and communication skills are often noted. The Knicks may consider his ability to adapt to a changing team and build chemistry over multiple seasons.
The organization’s interest in Walton reflects a broader trend of evaluating coaches who blend experience with a modern approach to the game. His previous stints provide a solid foundation to potentially lead the Knicks forward.
7) Rick Pitino
Rick Pitino is a veteran coach with experience at both the college and professional levels. He served as the head coach of the New York Knicks from 1987 to 1989 and has since built a long career including multiple stints in college basketball.
Most recently, Pitino coached St. John’s University. Despite his history and ties to New York basketball, he has publicly stated he would not accept the Knicks head coaching job. His age and personal considerations have influenced this decision.
Pitino is respected for his coaching acumen and leadership, but the Knicks appear to be focusing on younger, active NBA coaches for their next hire. His name remains part of coaching discussions due to his legacy and familiarity with the organization.
8) Jeff Van Gundy
Jeff Van Gundy is a well-known figure in the NBA, with extensive coaching experience. He served as the New York Knicks head coach from 1996 to 2001. During his tenure, he led the team to multiple playoff appearances.
Van Gundy has a strong connection to New York, having also worked as an assistant coach for the Knicks before his head coaching role. After leaving New York, he coached the Houston Rockets for four seasons.
Most recently, Van Gundy worked as an assistant coach with the LA Clippers, returning to the sidelines after years as a broadcaster. His coaching style emphasizes defense and disciplined team play, traits valued in New York.
At 63, he remains a viable candidate for head coaching positions. Van Gundy’s prior success with the Knicks and his deep understanding of the organization make him a relevant option in the current coaching search.
9) Michael Malone
Michael Malone is a strong candidate for the Knicks’ head coaching job. He has significant NBA head coaching experience, leading teams like the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets. His track record shows an ability to manage competitive rosters.
Malone began his coaching career with the Knicks as an assistant and scout from 2003 to 2005. This prior experience familiarizes him with the organization’s culture and expectations.
He is known for his defensive strategies and player development skills. Malone also has experience handling teams with playoff aspirations, which fits New York’s current win-now approach.
His leadership style emphasizes discipline and cohesion, qualities that the Knicks seek in their next coach. Malone could bring stability and a proven system to the team.
Knicks Head Coaching Candidates: Top Prospects