Knicks Conduct Interviews For The Next Head Coauch

 

According to ESPN and NBA insider Shams Charania, the Knicks are set to interview Taylor Jenkins (former Memphis Grizzlies coach) and Mike Brown (ex-Sacramento Kings coach) next week, marking the first formal discussions since parting ways with Tom Thibodeau.

• Taylor Jenkins (40) compiled a 250–214 record over six seasons in Memphis, including three straight playoff appearances. He was released with nine games left in the 2024–25 season.
• Mike Brown (55) holds a 454–304 head coaching record, including an NBA Finals appearance (2006–07 Cavs) and two strong seasons with Sacramento before his dismissal in December 2024.

Broader Context & Search Challenges

• The Knicks have faced numerous setbacks—five current NBA head coaches (including Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, Quin Snyder, and Billy Donovan) declined interview requests.
• High-profile targets like Jay Wright have also opted out, citing no interest in returning to coaching amid other professional commitments.
• The front office, led by Leon Rose, appears to be taking a measured, patient approach, focusing on walk-in candidates who don’t require contractual releases.

Player Perspective

Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart publicly expressed their respect and appreciation for Thibodeau’s leadership, but acknowledged the team’s progression and supported the ongoing process to find the right successor.

What’s Next

• Formal interviews with Jenkins and Brown are expected next week.
• Potential paths ahead include expanding the search to assistants like Johnnie Bryant or Luke Walton, or revisiting previously pursued candidates if circumstances change.

The Knicks’ coaching search has shifted gears: unable to secure interviews with active coaches, they are now focused on former head coaches Jenkins and Brown. With formal interviews scheduled soon, these meetings are pivotal in determining the next leader of a franchise that reached the Eastern Conference Finals this year.