Mike Brown Reportedly the 'Favorite' for Knicks HC Opening, Needs Dolan Endorsement

There is reportedly a clear favorite in the New York Knicks' search for their next head coach, although the process will only move along with the approval of team governor James Dolan.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Tuesday that Mike Brown is "widely regarded" as the favorite to land the position that is vacant because New York fired Tom Thibodeau following its loss in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Yet Stein also noted such a hire "will require ultimate endorsement" from Dolan.

This update comes after Ian Begley of SNY reported Brown was the first candidate to have a second interview, which happened Tuesday. That second interview was also scheduled to include Dolan, which presumably gave the coaching candidate an opportunity to impress the governor who will need to sign off on his hiring.

While the Knicks' attempts to interview current head coaches around the league such as Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets, Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls and Quin Snyder of the Atlanta Hawks were rebuffed, Begley pointed out they also interviewed James Borrego, Taylor Jenkins and Micah Nori.

Stein also highlighted Borrego and reported the Knicks are considering hiring Brown to be the head coach and the New Orleans Pelicans associate head coach as the top assistant.

Despite being fired by the Sacramento Kings last season, Brown has a history of success.

He has a 454-304 record across 11 different seasons as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Kings. He was the NBA's Coach of the Year in 2008-09 with Cleveland and again in 2022-23 with Sacramento.

The Kings reached the playoffs that season, which snapped a postseason drought that dated back to the 2005-06 campaign.

Brown also helped lead the 2006-07 Cavaliers to the NBA Finals and has seven playoff appearances in his 11 seasons. 

New York is looking to do more than just reach the playoffs after its Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers, though. Anything short of a run to the NBA Finals would be considered a disappointment, especially in an Eastern Conference with so many significant injuries and roster question marks elsewhere.

If the Knicks' front office and Dolan in particular decide Brown is the coach to lead the franchise to the Finals, it seems like the hiring could be made official in the near future so attention can then turn to shaping the roster.