Knicks Reportedly Granted Permission to Interview Pelicans' James Borrego for HC Job

The New York Knicks' search to fill their head coaching vacancy will include a former NBA head coach looking for another opportunity.

Will Guillory of The Athletic reported that the Knicks have requested permission to speak with New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach James Borrego for the position. Guillory then reported that the Pelicans had granted permission.

Borrego has been an assistant in New Orleans since 2023 and was the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets from 2018-2022.

During Borrego's five seasons in Charlotte, the Hornets went 148-183 and did not qualify for the postseason a single time. Prior to his stints with Charlotte and New Orleans, Borrego served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic.

The Knicks are coming off a 51-31 season in which they reached the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 1999-2000. Despite that achievement, New York parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau and will see if some new direction at the top can lead the team further.

The Knicks notably requested interviews with several current head coaches, including Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka. These requests were denied, so the Knicks are now building a pool of candidates that consists of Borrego, Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins and Micah Nori.