Knicks Rumors: 'Prominent College Coaches' Reportedly Interested in HC Job

Multiple "prominent college coaches" have reportedly expressed interest in taking over the New York Knicks if the team moves on from head coach Jeff Hornacek following the departure of Phil Jackson.

Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com provided the latest details about the potential organizational overhaul after Jackson's exit Wednesday morning.

Knicks executive chairman James Dolan announced the leadership change and laid out his plans for getting the team back on track. He didn't mention Hornacek in the remarks.

"While we are currently evaluating how best to move forward regarding the leadership of the organization, I will not be involved in the operation of the team," Dolan said. "Steve Mills, the team's general manager, will run the day-to-day business of the organization over the short term. Tim Leiweke, who brings tremendous expertise and experience in sports franchise management from both Toronto and Los Angeles and is our partner in the Oak View Group, will advise and work with Steve on an interim basis to help develop a go-forward plan."

Hornacek was hired last June to replace Kurt Rambis, who held the job on an interim basis after Derek Fisher was let go during the 2015-16 campaign. The former NBA shooting guard watched over a Knicks squad that posted a 31-51 record during his first season in charge.

In March, Marc Berman of the New York Post reported the 54-year-old Illinois native's job was "safe" because he'd built a "strong rapport" with Jackson despite the team's struggles.

Now the question is why the Knicks job would be attractive to collegiate coaches who are likely entrenched in their current positions. The roster lacks star power outside of Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, who have both faced speculation about possible exits during the offseason.

In addition, the pressure to win is immense in the country's biggest media market despite the lack of consistent success under the Dolan-led ownership group.

Leaving a top college program to take the Knicks job would come with ample risk. Apparently that hasn't stopped interest from growing amid signs of a total shake-up.