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Knicks Coaching Search Stymied as Five Coaches Refuse Interview Requests

New York remains the only NBA franchise without a coach, shifting its focus to veteran free agents alongside internal contenders

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks at the American Airlines Center on Nov. 27, 2024.
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Head Coach Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks reacts against the Memphis Grizzlies during the game of the Play-In Tournament at FedExForum on April 18, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks looks on against the Detroit Pistons during the first quarter in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2025 in New York City.

Overview

  • The Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau on June 3 despite guiding the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals berth in 25 years.
  • Requests to interview Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, Quin Snyder and Billy Donovan were declined by their respective teams.
  • League insiders describe the outreach as due diligence that also gathers intel on the league’s top coaching minds.
  • New York is considering veteran free-agent coaches such as Michael Malone, Mike Budenholzer, Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins alongside internal candidate Johnnie Bryant.
  • President Leon Rose emphasizes a deliberate search focused on finding a championship-caliber coach without rushing to fill the vacancy.