The New York Knicks are facing a slow and challenging start in their search for a new head coach following the firing of Tom Thibodeau, despite his success in leading the franchise back to relevance.
According to multiple AP sources, the Knicks were denied permission to speak with four high-profile coaches currently under contract:
- Jason Kidd (Dallas Mavericks)
- Ime Udoka (Houston Rockets)
- Chris Finch (Minnesota Timberwolves)
- Quin Snyder (Atlanta Hawks)
All four teams refused interview requests, effectively blocking the Knicks from approaching some of the most successful current NBA coaches. The Mavericks confirmed that they had rejected New York’s request to speak with Kidd, who led the team to the 2024 NBA Finals.
A look back at Thibodeau’s tenure
Thibodeau, who coached the Knicks for five seasons, brought the franchise to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. The team made the playoffs in four of those five seasons and won 50+ games in each of the last two years. He expressed gratitude in a full-page ad in The New York Times, calling his time with the Knicks “something I will never forget.”
History with candidates
Knicks president Leon Rose previously interviewed both Kidd and Udoka in 2020 before hiring Thibodeau. Both also played for the Knicks, with Kidd finishing his Hall of Fame playing career in New York during the 2013 playoffs, the team’s last postseason appearance before Thibodeau’s arrival.
Coaching options remain
While top active coaches remain off-limits, several experienced candidates have become available:
- Michael Malone – led the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 NBA title but was fired late in the 2024 regular season.
- Taylor Jenkins – guided the Memphis Grizzlies to multiple 50-win seasons before being let go.
- Mike Brown – two-time NBA Coach of the Year, dismissed by Sacramento earlier in the season.
What’s next for New York?
The Knicks appear to be casting a wide net, including inquiries for coaches still under contract. However, with multiple rejections and limited availability of elite candidates, the search could become prolonged. Despite recent success, the franchise now faces a critical decision to maintain momentum heading into the 2025–26 season.
