The New York Knicks are heading into the NBA offseason as the only team still without a head coach, following their surprising decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau, despite his role in guiding the franchise to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000. Though the move came after a successful season, the organization appears committed to a change in leadership.
According to reports, the Knicks attempted to interview several current head coaches—Jason Kidd, Chris Finch, Ime Udoka, Billy Donovan, and Quin Snyder—but were denied permission by their respective teams.
In response, the team has shifted its focus, reportedly interviewing former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown and ex-Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. Additionally, Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant, a recent finalist for the Phoenix Suns job, has also been tied to the vacancy in New York.
However, according to Knicks insider Ian Begley, Bryant is currently not considered a leading candidate.
> “I heard late last week that Johnnie was more of a longer shot there,” Begley stated. “When you’re talking about the coaches who’ve been in or will be in for interviews, the guys we’ve already talked about, I think those are the guys who have much higher odds of landing this thing than Johnnie Bryant.”
This development is significant, as Bryant was previously viewed as a strong contender for the position. The Knicks now seem intent on hiring someone with previous NBA head coaching experience, which could ultimately steer them away from Bryant as they continue their search.
