Knicks one move away from hiring first-ever female head coach
Dawn Staley was formally interviewed for the Knicks head coach role, and was happy to take an offer.
South Carolina women’s coach Dawn Staley has revealed that she was on the verge of becoming the first-ever woman to become the head coach of a professional men’s side in the NBA, with the New York Knicks having interviewed her over the summer for the post.
Instead, the Knicks moved on from Staley and hired the former Lakers coach, Mike Brown.
Speaking on the “Post Moves” podcast with WNBA star Aliyah Boston and former WNBA great Candace Parker, the 55-year-old admitted that “I would have had to do it. Not just for me. For women. To break [that door] open,” adding “I would have had to. It’s the New York Knicks. I’m from Philly. But it’s the freaking New York Knicks.”
‘I felt the energy change after that... I shot myself in the foot’
Staley said that she had asked during her interview with the Knicks: “How, if you hired me as the first female [head] coach in the NBA, would it impact your daily job? Because it would,” adding that “you’re going to be asked questions that you don’t have to answer if you’re a male coach.
“There’s going to be the media and all this other stuff that you have to deal with that you didn’t have to deal with and don’t have to deal with when you hire a male.
According the Staley, this line of questioning was what ended her chances of being hired by the Eastern Conference side. “That got them thinking, ‘Maybe she’s right.’ I felt the energy change after that. So, I shot myself in the foot by... being inquisitive and asking all those darn questions.”
Related stories
Last season, the Knicks had a campaign that finally brought hope and belief back to Madison Square Gardens. Led on the court by an unstoppable Brunson, the Knicks made it all the way to the Conference Finals, eventually losing to the Indiana Pacers (2-4). Despite the positive performances from the side, head coach Tom Thibodeau was surprisingly relived of his duties, causing the Knicks to go on the hunt for a head coach and eventually settle with Brown.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment