Knicks News: Mike Woodson Wants to Finish What He Started, Would Love to Return

The New York Knicks franchise has never been shy about giving people second chances (see: Thomas, Isiah). Former Knicks coach Mike Woodson said he hopes he's the latest in a long line of second chances in New York.

"I don't want to hide the fact I'd love to be back," Woodson told Marc Berman of the New York Post. "I'd like to finish what I started. At the end of the day, you want to come to New York, based on my body of work there. I want it to be mutual. I want them to want me. I hope they call me."

Woodson, 60, coached the Knicks from midway through the 2011-12 season through 2014. He went 109-79 in two-and-a-half seasons with the franchise.

The Knicks fired Jeff Hornacek last week after two disappointing seasons. Hornacek went 60-104 and was one of the last remnants of the Phil Jackson era.

While Woodson was far from beloved during his time in New York, he's actually the most successful coach the Knicks have hired this century. He's the only Knicks coach since Jeff Van Gundy to finish his tenure with a winning record, and he was on the bench for their last two playoff appearances.

Woodson served as Doc Rivers' top assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers last season and said he'd like to be a head coach again.

"I would be crazy not to," Woodson said. "I'm still under contract with the Clippers. Somebody calls me and gives me the opportunity to talk, I'd be happy to talk."

Woodson previously spent six seasons as the Atlanta Hawks head coach, making three playoff appearances.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported the Clippers have given the Knicks permission to interview Woodson. They're set to interview former Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale next week and seem likely to target a young coach to match their developing young roster.