Favorite emerges as next Knicks head coach: Two-time Coach of the Year in the frame
The New York Knicks recently parted ways with Tom Thibodeau, despite leading the team to the Eastern Conference Finals.
The New York Knicks are reportedly closing in on a new head coach as they look to build on a season of major progress and compete for a championship.
ESPN reports that the Knicks will have a second meeting with Mike Brown, the two-time NBA Coach of the Year who has emerged as a leading candidate to replace Tom Thibodeau.
Brown is an experienced coach but was recently fired by the Sacramento Kings midway through the 2024/25 season. He was named Coach of the Year just two seasons previously, ending the Kings’ 16-year wait for a playoff appearance.
The 55-year-old has previously led the Cleveland Cavaliers and the LA Lakers, putting up a combined career coaching record of 455-304. His first Coach of the Year award came in 2008/09 with the Cavs.
The Knicks are looking to replace Tom Thibodeau, the man who returned the team to the Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years but who was sacked just days later. Thibodeau’s reluctance to rotate his starting five was seen as a major weakness at points last season and the Knicks hierarchy decided that a change of coaching personnel was required.
This is the second time that Brown has been considered by the Knicks. He was also interviewed in 2020, with the role eventually given to Thibodeau. Five years on, it looks like Brown is leading the running to take charge of the iconic franchise.
It is thought that Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins are also in the running for the Knicks position. A decision is expected in the coming weeks as the front office looks to continue their offseason preparations ahead of 2025/26.
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