Knicks Coaching Candidates: Michael Malone Leads List of Six Names to Watch, Plus a Wild-Card Option
- Following their decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau in June 2025, the New York Knicks are actively seeking a new head coach to lead the team forward.
- This coaching change follows Thibodeau’s four playoff appearances in five years and concerns about his adaptability and creativity for championship success.
- Among the leading candidates are Michael Malone, fired recently by Denver after winning the 2023 NBA title, Jeff Van Gundy, Jay Wright, Dan Hurley, Johnnie Bryant, and player-turned-possible-coach Chris Paul.
- Malone brings championship experience and a defensive, rugged style similar to Thibodeau’s, while Paul offers leadership and fresh perspective despite lacking coaching experience; Van Gundy recently impressed as Clippers’ assistant and retains large fan support.
- The Knicks, aiming for a title in an open Eastern Conference, consider both experienced and rookie coaches amid uncertainty over candidates’ NBA interest and fit, with President Leon Rose emphasizing a focus on winning a championship.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Jay Wright as coach of the ’Nova Knicks? Makes sense for everyone except Wright.
Jay Wright to the Knicks makes sense from every perspective except one. Jay Wright’s. He shouldn’t want this job. The city of Philadelphia shouldn’t want it for him. The list of reasons is as long as the one in the other direction. In fact, they are one and the same. The money? Nope. There is as much money in television as there is in coaching, these days. The glory? Be sure to ask Tom Thibodeau about that. The Villanova connection? That’s a bug…
Jay Wright's Likely Decision on Being Next Knicks Head Coach
The New York Knicks surprisingly decided to move on from head coach Tom Thibodeau, but the attention has already turned to who will be on the sideline next. Given the number of former Villanova Wildcats on the Knicks roster, there has been plenty of speculation that the college’s former head coach Jay Wright could be a candidate for New York. Back in April 2022, Wright retired from Villanova as one of the most legendary coaches in program histor…
Stephen A. Smith on what 'source' told him about Ime Udoka to New York Knicks amid 'all would be forgiven' claim
New York Knicks fans did not take the Tom Thibodeau era for granted. After years in the NBA wilderness, the coach brought them back to relevancy. This past season Tom Thibodeau took the New York Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. But this was not enough. Thibodeau was fired following the loss to the Pacers, and there were strong feelings about the Knicks’ decision. Outspoken analyst and Knicks fan Stephen A. …
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