A new front runner has emerged for the head coaching job of the New York Knicks almost a month after Tom Thibodeau was fired.
The New York Knicks side made their best playoff run in 25 years by reaching the Eastern Conference Finals, but they lost there to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
Just a few days later, they decided to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau, who had been with the team for five years.
They tried to reach out to multiple coaches, including Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka, but were refused the chance to even talk to them by their teams.
However, just about a month later, the Knicks finally have a front runner for the job.
Mike Brown is a two-time coach of the year in the NBA and most recently was with the Sacramento Kings, where he revived the franchise by ending their 16 year playoff drought in 2023.
But the team’s poor start in the 2024-25 season led to them deciding to fire him and appoint Doug Christie as his replacement.
Brown had his first interview with former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins also being called for one.
However, ESPN’s Shams Charania has reported that Brown has now emerged as the front runner for the job.
“Mike Brown will have a second meeting with the New York Knicks for their head coaching job and has emerged as a strong candidate, sources tell ESPN,” Charania tweeted.
It was recently also reported that Dawn Stanley was one of the coaches considered for the Knicks job.
While the names they have expressed interest in are all reputed and sensational, rival fans have mocked the franchise over their handling of the situation.
The announcement of Brown being reported as the front runner also led to them expressing their thoughts on X.
One fan said: “They should’ve kept Tom if that the case.”
While another added: “Is this not a lateral move from Thibs? Knicks sitting here on June 30 with no head coach and their plan is to move to a more likable version of Thibs?”
Someone also stated that Brown was not an upgrade from Thibodeau, who has helped the Knicks to their best playoff performances in over a decade.
A user also remarked: “I am really confused as to why people are acting like Mike Brown is a bad hiring for the Knicks.”
“Mike Brown and Russ Westbrook… is the team looking to take an active step back next season?” another fan questioned.
Entering into a busy period of free agency, the Knicks will soon have to finish their search and appoint an official head coach to start their offseason plans.
They showed their lack of offensive firepower in the playoffs this past season, which is why a player who can add to the scoring is needed.
But the team will have to first complete the head coaching search before making any decision, as it is key for them to know what kind of player is needed on the roster in order for their system to work.
