Knicks Head Coach Search: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Position

The New York Knicks fired head coach Derek Fisher on Monday, replacing him with interim coach Kurt Rambis, according to an official announcement.

Continue for updates.

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Scott Brooks in Mix for Opening

Wednesday, Feb. 10

Ian Begley of ESPN reported, "Brooks is a name to think about, for one reason: The Knicks have been informed that their chances of landing Kevin Durant this summer would be influenced by hiring Brooks, according to league sources."

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Walton, Shaw Reportedly Top Targets to Be Next Head Coach

Monday, Feb. 8

According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, Brian Shaw and Luke Walton are the team's primary long-term targets to take over the position. Ken Berger of CBS Sports added more on the Walton front:

Walton, of course, took over for Steve Kerr while he was on leave to start the season, leading the team to a 39-4 record while winning Western Conference Coach of the Month honors for November.

Shaw, meanwhile, spent two years as the Denver Nuggets' head coach, going 56-85 in that time. Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News cited a source when reporting that "Shaw says he'd love to take the Knicks job and would be a great fit alongside Phil Jackson."

Howard Beck of Bleacher Report reported that Walton and Shaw will be the "top candidates" in the offseason.

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Hornacek Reportedly in the Mix for Knicks Job

Monday, Feb. 8

Beck reported on candidates in New York, saying to "keep an eye on Jeff Hornacek" and adding that the former Phoenix Suns coach has "rapport/respect" with Jackson.

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Rambis Has Chance to Earn Full-Time Job

Monday, Feb. 8

Beck also noted that Rambis could be "firmly in the mix" if he's able to get the Knicks into the postseason.

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Thibodeau Reportedly Wants Knicks Job

Monday, Feb. 8

Former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau is very interested in the job, per Ian O'Connor of ESPN.com:

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Jackson Comments on Knicks' Search for Next HC

Monday, Feb. 8

"It's not paramount, but it's important," Jackson told reporters when asked if the next coach needs to run the triangle offense.

When asked about former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, Jackson said he "respects" him but "isn't soliciting for coaches."

One option that will not be considered is Jackson himself.

"Not for a second," Jackson said when asked if he thought about moving to the bench. "The instinct was there, but it's beyond my physical capabilities."

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Fisher's Firing Could Be First Of Major Changes for Knicks

The change for the Knicks comes as the squad was mired in a 1-9 slump after starting 22-22 this season and looking like a team that could sneak into the postseason, although that was just one factor in the decision to fire Fisher. Per ESPN, "the team was already convinced Fisher was not transitioning from the role of player to coach effectively, sources told ESPN's Brian Windhorst."

Fisher's short tenure with the Knicks has been marked largely by disappointment, as New York has gone 40-96 in his 1.5 years at the helm.

The decision to fire him now could be the first domino to fall in what could be a very transformational season and summer to come, per Andy Glockner of The Cauldron:

Carmelo Anthony's future will certainly be a huge factor in the team's future, and even if he remains in New York, the Knicks will likely be undergoing the transition of building the organization around young star Kristaps Porzingis and a new head coach over the summer.