With thePhoenix Suns locking in Jordan Ott as their new head coach, the New York Knicks now hold the spotlight as the last NBA team without a coach for the 2025-26 season.
After reaching the Eastern Conference finals, expectations in New York are high, and the front office is approaching the decision with patience and precision.
Rumors continue to swirl, and multiple candidates – both active and available – are being linked to the job. Among them is Luke Walton, a former Lakers and Kings head coach, currently serving as an assistant with the Detroit Pistons.
According to The New York Post, Walton is one of the names under consideration, as the Knicks prioritize hiring someone with significant coaching experience.
Another veteran coach reportedly being discussed is Mike Brown. Most recently with the Sacramento Kings, Brown led the franchise back to the postseason in 2023 after a 17-year drought.
He also boasts previous experience with the Lakers and the Cavaliers during LeBron James‘ first stint in Cleveland.
Knicks keeping their options open
Despite the buzz, neither Walton nor Brown are considered major upgrades over Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed despite guiding the Knicks deep into the playoffs. That means New York may continue casting a wide net.
As The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy noted, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” quoting Knicks president Leon Rose. That ambition suggests the team won’t settle for a coach who can merely maintain playoff contention.
Former Knicks assistant and current Cavaliers coach Johnnie Bryant is another name in circulation. Bryant was a finalist for the Suns job and may now be back on New York’s radar.
Meanwhile, Villanova coaching legend Jay Wright has been mentioned by some, but CBS Sports’ Seth Davis poured cold water on that idea, saying it’s “incredibly unlikely” Wright would make the jump to the NBA.
Coaching candidates currently in the league include Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka, though the Knicks would need permission to speak with them.
Houston is reportedly unwilling to let Udoka interview, while Kidd‘s status in Dallas remains uncertain. ESPN has reported that Kidd “would not dismiss the possibility” of interviewing if the Mavericks gave the green light.
There’s also speculation around other experienced names such as Michael Malone, Jeff Van Gundy, and Mike Budenholzer, all of whom are currently available.
Whether the Knicks are interested in revisiting the Van Gundy era remains to be seen, but the focus appears to be on experienced voices capable of leading a deep playoff run.
Timeline gives New York space to choose carefully
The Knicks aren’t rushing to name Thibodeau‘s successor. According to Bondy, the front office is comfortable heading into the NBA Summer League on July 10 without a new coach in place.
That timeline provides them flexibility to continue their search and potentially wait for new developments across the league.
Whoever ultimately takes over will inherit a roster loaded with talent and playoff experience, making the Knicks one of the more attractive coaching opportunities on the market.
But with high expectations comes pressure, and New York appears determined to find a coach who can deliver more than just regular-season wins – the goal is a championship.
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