Knicks Reportedly to Search for New HC 'at Every Level' After Firing Tom Thibodeau
The New York Knicks are reportedly planning to conduct an extensive search to find a new head coach to replace Tom Thibodeau.
"New York is expected to do an exhaustive search that includes coaches at every level, per league sources," James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reported Monday. "However, the expectation for this franchise is to win a championship. Whoever is hired has to carry the weight of that."
The Knicks fired Thibodeau just after the end of their 2024-25 season, as they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games during the Eastern Conference Finals.
While New York made its first appearance in the conference finals since 2000 and finished with at least 50 wins in two straight years, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that there was "doubt" among players that Thibodeau could eventually lead the team to the NBA Finals.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Knicks have interest in Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd despite the expectation that the Mavericks will deny any request to interview him for the vacancy.
Edwards also listed former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, former Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown, former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego as possible options for New York.
At the college level, UConn head coach Dan Hurley previously interviewed with the Los Angeles Lakers for a head coach role in June 2024. SNY's Ian Begley reported that Hurley "isn't at the top" of the Knicks' list, though.
While New York attempts to go on another deep playoff run next season, team president Leon Rose is expected to consider several options to succeed Thibodeau.
