Official Knicks Coaching Search Thread pt. 2 (update: poll added 6/18/25)

[Jay10]

Kinda funny to fire a defensive minded coach and cost the owner 30 million dollars to then hire a worse defensive minded coach and give the new coach an offensive minded associate head coach. Probably should have a simplified the process and just hired Borrego for Thibs and saved Dolan 30 million.

What? Thibs didn’t listen to anybody else.. it’s part of the reason why he’s gone. His defensive philosophy was antiquated and he was too stubborn to try different things… by the time he did, it was too late.

- Waited until Game 3 to replace Elfrid with Derrick in the series against Atlanta
- Waited until Game 6 to finally come up with a defensive strategy to stop the Celtics 3 point shooters
- Waited until Game 3 against the Pacers to finally use more players from the bench, and they showed why they should've played more in the series

The man coached the team like he was trying to get fired with how stubborn he was in regards to the starting lineup, and constantly giving up big leads.

[mpharris36]

Kinda funny to fire a defensive minded coach and cost the owner 30 million dollars to then hire a worse defensive minded coach and give the new coach an offensive minded associate head coach. Probably should have a simplified the process and just hired Borrego for Thibs and saved Dolan 30 million.

Woodson
Payne
Bryant

Were all hired to help Thibodeau and they all left 1 by 1, and former players say Thibodeau wants to be in control of everything from practice to actual games.

He ignored Jalen and Rick when they were telling him to take out the starters in Game 6 against the Celtics even in a blow out.

The only people Thibodeau listened to were those that would tell him if he should challenge a call.

yeah thibs downfall is that he wouldn't budge and stubborn as a mule. Mike Brown coming in and the Knicks wanting to bring an associate HC to run the offense is already a plus that Thibs would never be in favor of.

If the FO suggest lineup variations Brown sounds like he's more than willing to have those convos when THibs was a my way or the highway.

Also we had a lot of players speak out so having a coach that is on the same page as all the players will be a plus as well.

Thibs ran his course. We are moving on.

[WargamesX]

I also want to add a lot of Thibs assistants were developmental assistants. They might want to keep them on to develop the kids and then leave in game management to Brown, the Associate HC, and whoever Brown wants to bring with him.

[HabenKG]

Thibs got himself fired. If he had his way there would probably be no assist coaches. However he deserves our respect for his dedication right or wrong. Wish he just accepted a front office gig so there's no bad blood.

[Jalen Bluntson]

So what's Mike Brown about? I hear it wasn't his offense in SAC that won him COTY. Umm... That sucks

I read in here he is a defensive minded HC who isn't very good with defense.

I read things that lead me to believe he lost the locker room in year 3 in SAC.

Only has one losing season in his career.

Sell me this pen!!

[spree8]

Is it common for owners to lead player exit meetings tho?

to be fair, he was in the exit meetings last season and in exit meetings with the rangers this year..

And it’s not common to do so is my point

The day that the Knicks got eliminated, James Edwards and I came out with that story that we had alignment that (Thibodeau) has support from Jalen Brunson and has the backing of Leon Rose, however, James Dolan is the final decision maker on these sorts of decisions," Katz said on Friday's episode of the Katz and Shoot podcast. "And there were some people who aggregated that and said we were reporting that Thibs was safe. No, we weren't. We were reporting if it were up to Rose and Brunson, Thibs was safe, but it's not up to Rose and Brunson. There was a final decision-maker, who was leaving it linger. We had an inkling that James Dolan would want (Thibodeau) out. We didn't know for sure, so we couldn't report that James Dolan wants to fire Thibs, but we had an inkling.

"Then, Vinnie Goodwill (Yahoo Sports) comes out with an accurate report about what happens during end-of-season meetings. James Dolan sat in on exit interviews, I can tell you, I have spoken to a number of people from a number of different organizations around the league — an owner sitting in on exit interviews is ... it raised eyebrows. It's not a normal, regular thing. That's not a routine thing. It wasn't something that happened with the Knicks until this time around."

It’s not common for owners to piss away 30 million (and have to spend another 30+ million on a new coach) after giving an extension to the coach a season before.

If that’s my money, I’m sitting in too and better hear some good reasons for doing it. Not only that, but I’m using that time to evaluate the FO too… dude has been out of the mix a while and seeing the team crash and burn the way they did is gunna raise concerns.

Can’t blame him for wanting to make sure these guys get the right man for the job after that debacle… especially since we’re so close to a chip… and again, he’s gunna be paying two coaches… doubt he wants to have to pay three at once if this one don’t work out.

[3toheadmelo]

to be fair, he was in the exit meetings last season and in exit meetings with the rangers this year..

And it’s not common to do so is my point

The day that the Knicks got eliminated, James Edwards and I came out with that story that we had alignment that (Thibodeau) has support from Jalen Brunson and has the backing of Leon Rose, however, James Dolan is the final decision maker on these sorts of decisions," Katz said on Friday's episode of the Katz and Shoot podcast. "And there were some people who aggregated that and said we were reporting that Thibs was safe. No, we weren't. We were reporting if it were up to Rose and Brunson, Thibs was safe, but it's not up to Rose and Brunson. There was a final decision-maker, who was leaving it linger. We had an inkling that James Dolan would want (Thibodeau) out. We didn't know for sure, so we couldn't report that James Dolan wants to fire Thibs, but we had an inkling.

"Then, Vinnie Goodwill (Yahoo Sports) comes out with an accurate report about what happens during end-of-season meetings. James Dolan sat in on exit interviews, I can tell you, I have spoken to a number of people from a number of different organizations around the league — an owner sitting in on exit interviews is ... it raised eyebrows. It's not a normal, regular thing. That's not a routine thing. It wasn't something that happened with the Knicks until this time around."

It’s not common for owners to piss away 30 million (and have to spend another 30+ million on a new coach) after giving an extension to the coach a season before.

If that’s my money, I’m sitting in too and better hear some good reasons for doing it. Not only that, but I’m using that time to evaluate the FO too… dude has been out of the mix a while and seeing the team crash and burn the way they did is gunna raise concerns.

Can’t blame him for wanting to make sure these guys get the right man for the job after that debacle… especially since we’re so close to a chip… and again, he’s gunna be paying two coaches… doubt he wants to have to pay three at once if this one don’t work out.

There was no point in firing a coach when Leon and your franchise player backed him. And it made even less sense to fire him after we were 2 games away from going to the finals. Dolan didn’t like Thibs and that’s why Thibs got fired. Fred Katz and James Edward said it themselves, they had an idea that Dolan didn’t like Thibs and the decision to fire Thibs was in dolan’s hands. Leon would’ve kept him otherwise. Dolan meddling in never ends well so you better hope it’s different this time.

[Context]

If that’s my money, I’m sitting in too and better hear some good reasons for doing it. Not only that, but I’m using that time to evaluate the FO too… dude has been out of the mix a while and seeing the team crash and burn the way they did is gunna raise concerns.

Can’t blame him for wanting to make sure these guys get the right man for the job after that debacle… especially since we’re so close to a chip… and again, he’s gunna be paying two coaches… doubt he wants to have to pay three at once if this one don’t work out.

I've had more failures in business; more than successes. The number one lesson I learned was -if my business goes bankrupt. All of the people who had so much to say. Won't be there to buy you a coffee

I wish someone would tell me I cant check in on my business. It was crystal clear to me(especially with me being away from the Knicks between 2018-2023) that Thibs was blocking growth. Whoever made the decision- made a great one Spree.

[F N 11]

Im warming up on Mike Brown.

[spree8]

And it’s not common to do so is my point

It’s not common for owners to piss away 30 million (and have to spend another 30+ million on a new coach) after giving an extension to the coach a season before.

If that’s my money, I’m sitting in too and better hear some good reasons for doing it. Not only that, but I’m using that time to evaluate the FO too… dude has been out of the mix a while and seeing the team crash and burn the way they did is gunna raise concerns.

Can’t blame him for wanting to make sure these guys get the right man for the job after that debacle… especially since we’re so close to a chip… and again, he’s gunna be paying two coaches… doubt he wants to have to pay three at once if this one don’t work out.

There was no point in firing a coach when Leon and your franchise player backed him. And it made even less sense to fire him after we were 2 games away from going to the finals. Dolan didn’t like Thibs and that’s why Thibs got fired. Fred Katz and James Edward said it themselves, they had an idea that Dolan didn’t like Thibs and the decision to fire Thibs was in dolan’s hands. Leon would’ve kept him otherwise. Dolan meddling in never ends well so you better hope it’s different this time.

I was just debating this point the other day with someone else… Katz reporting contradicts all the other reports we’ve been hearing like this was a Leon decision, Leon n Thibs not speaking all season, Leon would step down if he’s forced to do something he doesn’t want, Rick turning on Thibs, Wes n Brock not liking Thibs, etc etc etc… Dolan isn’t the bad guy, Thibs isn’t the saint you guys are making him out to be.

When Mike Brown, Mikal, and KAT lead us to the first title in our lifetimes… you need to replace Melo, Tatum, and that bum Giddey lol with their faces in your sig

[Adelheid]

I do not like forcing a new coach to keep the old staff. Might as well have kept Thibs then.

They forced Thibs to take on a bunch of assistants when he got hired.

would he have filled the needed positions if he had his way?

[WargamesX]

I do not like forcing a new coach to keep the old staff. Might as well have kept Thibs then.

They forced Thibs to take on a bunch of assistants when he got hired.

would he have filled the needed positions if he had his way?

Look at last year. No associate head coach and just his people. He got his way but it didn’t end well.

[Capn'O]

Kinda funny to fire a defensive minded coach and cost the owner 30 million dollars to then hire a worse defensive minded coach and give the new coach an offensive minded associate head coach. Probably should have a simplified the process and just hired Borrego for Thibs and saved Dolan 30 million.

Woodson
Payne
Bryant

Were all hired to help Thibodeau and they all left 1 by 1, and former players say Thibodeau wants to be in control of everything from practice to actual games.

He ignored Jalen and Rick when they were telling him to take out the starters in Game 6 against the Celtics even in a blow out.

The only people Thibodeau listened to were those that would tell him if he should challenge a call.

yeah thibs downfall is that he wouldn't budge and stubborn as a mule. Mike Brown coming in and the Knicks wanting to bring an associate HC to run the offense is already a plus that Thibs would never be in favor of.

If the FO suggest lineup variations Brown sounds like he's more than willing to have those convos when THibs was a my way or the highway.

Also we had a lot of players speak out so having a coach that is on the same page as all the players will be a plus as well.

Thibs ran his course. We are moving on.

It seems pretty clear that bringing in somebody who works as a team player and shares a vision of the team's identity and personnel management was high on the priority list. Even if Thibs was often right, he was totally a dictator.

[jvsimonetti0514]

Kinda funny to fire a defensive minded coach and cost the owner 30 million dollars to then hire a worse defensive minded coach and give the new coach an offensive minded associate head coach. Probably should have a simplified the process and just hired Borrego for Thibs and saved Dolan 30 million.

Woodson
Payne
Bryant

Were all hired to help Thibodeau and they all left 1 by 1, and former players say Thibodeau wants to be in control of everything from practice to actual games.

He ignored Jalen and Rick when they were telling him to take out the starters in Game 6 against the Celtics even in a blow out.

The only people Thibodeau listened to were those that would tell him if he should challenge a call.

In the case of Woodson and Payne, I’m sure it was just a coincidence that they left to be the head coach of their Alma maters and had everything to do with Thibs. Thibs has worked with a lot of the same guys for years. If they weren’t getting any input into decision I don’t think they’d stay with Thibs.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Woodson
Payne
Bryant

Were all hired to help Thibodeau and they all left 1 by 1, and former players say Thibodeau wants to be in control of everything from practice to actual games.

He ignored Jalen and Rick when they were telling him to take out the starters in Game 6 against the Celtics even in a blow out.

The only people Thibodeau listened to were those that would tell him if he should challenge a call.

yeah thibs downfall is that he wouldn't budge and stubborn as a mule. Mike Brown coming in and the Knicks wanting to bring an associate HC to run the offense is already a plus that Thibs would never be in favor of.

If the FO suggest lineup variations Brown sounds like he's more than willing to have those convos when THibs was a my way or the highway.

Also we had a lot of players speak out so having a coach that is on the same page as all the players will be a plus as well.

Thibs ran his course. We are moving on.

It seems pretty clear that bringing in somebody who works as a team player and shares a vision of the team's identity and personnel management was high on the priority list. Even if Thibs was often right, he was totally a dictator.

Take this sh*t to the Thibs thread!! GTFOH!!

[G_K_F]

I'm of the belief that a coach should have free reign over his staff. If you're hiring a coach and can't trust him enough to hire his own staff and make his own decisions then you're hiring the wrong coach.

But beyond that, I'm of the belief in signing a highly regarded assistant coach who is looking for his opportunity. Carlisle was an assistant before he came a head coach. So was Spo. So was practically everyone. Everyone starts from somewhere.

When my friend texted me the news that Thibs got fired I pumped my fist in the air in excitement. I couldn't believe it. I could not believe this dude got fired by his boy - especially after the ECF. But I was elated. I thought that we were close to getting over the hump and needed a coaching change to make that happen. I felt like firing Thibodeau was the right move at the right time. I was excited about the possibilities.

Then I read that the Knicks were going to 'cast a wide net' in their coaching search. I thought that was awesome. Interview a lot of people. Pick brains. Maybe you'll find that diamond in the rough coach. Maybe you'll find our Carlisle. The 'wide net' ended up being trying to hire current head coaches and getting rejected, followed by interviewing 4 - count it, FOUR - candidates for the position. That's it. And the courtesy reach out to a women's college basketball coach because she happens to be close to the Brunson family. THAT was the 'wide net' of the search? Mike Brown and James Borrego? You interviewed just 4 guys and settled on Mike "4 teams in 11 years" Brown? Why? How?

Mike Brown is the epitome of mediocrity. He has not been relevant as a head coach without LeBron James. He has not proven he can last at any destination for a long period of time as a head coach. This is not our Carlisle. This is not our Spoelstra. This is not our Red Holzman. This is not our Phil Jackson. This is another journeyman head coach who has accomplished nothing in the playoffs except one Eastern Conference banner 18 years ago. You might as well have interviewed Budenholzer and Vogel. More retreads. At least they have a championship under their belts in recent history.

After all this I'm told I need to be happy and excited for Mike Brown. It's the same old thing. Knicks make literally ANY move and there is a collection of people who sill support it no matter what it is, then tell others they're being bad fans by not supporting said terrible move. It's a cycle that has been going on forever and will never end.

I know why Mike Brown was hired - he's a yes man who will do whatever the front office and Dolan tell him to do. He will spew the corny MSG media policy lines and eventually he'll take the fall when the team falters. He's the modern day Don Chaney. There's nothing incredible that stands out about Mike Brown. He is an average, mediocre coach. We just had one. Now we have an other version of the same thing. I thought this team would get serious about hiring a coach to take them to the next level. Instead they settled on personal relationships and guys who will do as they are told rather than focusing on a true leader as a head coach. It's extremely disappointing during this pivotal moment for the franchise.

Now that I have 'crashed out' on Mike Brown I have nothing further to add about him or his hiring again.

[seren]

I'm of the belief that a coach should have free reign over his staff. If you're hiring a coach and can't trust him enough to hire his own staff and make his own decisions then you're hiring the wrong coach.

But beyond that, I'm of the belief in signing a highly regarded assistant coach who is looking for his opportunity. Carlisle was an assistant before he came a head coach. So was Spo. So was practically everyone. Everyone starts from somewhere.

When my friend texted me the news that Thibs got fired I pumped my fist in the air in excitement. I couldn't believe it. I could not believe this dude got fired by his boy - especially after the ECF. But I was elated. I thought that we were close to getting over the hump and needed a coaching change to make that happen. I felt like firing Thibodeau was the right move at the right time. I was excited about the possibilities.

Then I read that the Knicks were going to 'cast a wide net' in their coaching search. I thought that was awesome. Interview a lot of people. Pick brains. Maybe you'll find that diamond in the rough coach. Maybe you'll find our Carlisle. The 'wide net' ended up being trying to hire current head coaches and getting rejected, followed by interviewing 4 - count it, FOUR - candidates for the position. That's it. And the courtesy reach out to a women's college basketball coach because she happens to be close to the Brunson family. THAT was the 'wide net' of the search? Mike Brown and James Borrego? You interviewed just 4 guys and settled on Mike "4 teams in 11 years" Brown? Why? How?

Mike Brown is the epitome of mediocrity. He has not been relevant as a head coach without LeBron James. He has not proven he can last at any destination for a long period of time as a head coach. This is not our Carlisle. This is not our Spoelstra. This is not our Red Holzman. This is not our Phil Jackson. This is another journeyman head coach who has accomplished nothing in the playoffs except one Eastern Conference banner 18 years ago. You might as well have interviewed Budenholzer and Vogel. More retreads. At least they have a championship under their belts in recent history.

After all this I'm told I need to be happy and excited for Mike Brown. It's the same old thing. Knicks make literally ANY move and there is a collection of people who sill support it no matter what it is, then tell others they're being bad fans by not supporting said terrible move. It's a cycle that has been going on forever and will never end.

I know why Mike Brown was hired - he's a yes man who will do whatever the front office and Dolan tell him to do. He will spew the corny MSG media policy lines and eventually he'll take the fall when the team falters. He's the modern day Don Chaney. There's nothing incredible that stands out about Mike Brown. He is an average, mediocre coach. We just had one. Now we have an other version of the same thing. I thought this team would get serious about hiring a coach to take them to the next level. Instead they settled on personal relationships and guys who will do as they are told rather than focusing on a true leader as a head coach. It's extremely disappointing during this pivotal moment for the franchise.

Now that I have 'crashed out' on Mike Brown I have nothing further to add about him or his hiring again.

I am not too knowledgeable about Mike Brown but 4 teams in 11 years also means 4 front offices were impressed with him and they gave him an average of 3 seasons each. He also has a significantly better playoff record compared to Thibs.

[Jalen Bluntson]

I'm of the belief that a coach should have free reign over his staff. If you're hiring a coach and can't trust him enough to hire his own staff and make his own decisions then you're hiring the wrong coach.

But beyond that, I'm of the belief in signing a highly regarded assistant coach who is looking for his opportunity. Carlisle was an assistant before he came a head coach. So was Spo. So was practically everyone. Everyone starts from somewhere.

When my friend texted me the news that Thibs got fired I pumped my fist in the air in excitement. I couldn't believe it. I could not believe this dude got fired by his boy - especially after the ECF. But I was elated. I thought that we were close to getting over the hump and needed a coaching change to make that happen. I felt like firing Thibodeau was the right move at the right time. I was excited about the possibilities.

Then I read that the Knicks were going to 'cast a wide net' in their coaching search. I thought that was awesome. Interview a lot of people. Pick brains. Maybe you'll find that diamond in the rough coach. Maybe you'll find our Carlisle. The 'wide net' ended up being trying to hire current head coaches and getting rejected, followed by interviewing 4 - count it, FOUR - candidates for the position. That's it. And the courtesy reach out to a women's college basketball coach because she happens to be close to the Brunson family. THAT was the 'wide net' of the search? Mike Brown and James Borrego? You interviewed just 4 guys and settled on Mike "4 teams in 11 years" Brown? Why? How?

Mike Brown is the epitome of mediocrity. He has not been relevant as a head coach without LeBron James. He has not proven he can last at any destination for a long period of time as a head coach. This is not our Carlisle. This is not our Spoelstra. This is not our Red Holzman. This is not our Phil Jackson. This is another journeyman head coach who has accomplished nothing in the playoffs except one Eastern Conference banner 18 years ago. You might as well have interviewed Budenholzer and Vogel. More retreads. At least they have a championship under their belts in recent history.

After all this I'm told I need to be happy and excited for Mike Brown. It's the same old thing. Knicks make literally ANY move and there is a collection of people who sill support it no matter what it is, then tell others they're being bad fans by not supporting said terrible move. It's a cycle that has been going on forever and will never end.

I know why Mike Brown was hired - he's a yes man who will do whatever the front office and Dolan tell him to do. He will spew the corny MSG media policy lines and eventually he'll take the fall when the team falters. He's the modern day Don Chaney. There's nothing incredible that stands out about Mike Brown. He is an average, mediocre coach. We just had one. Now we have an other version of the same thing. I thought this team would get serious about hiring a coach to take them to the next level. Instead they settled on personal relationships and guys who will do as they are told rather than focusing on a true leader as a head coach. It's extremely disappointing during this pivotal moment for the franchise.

Now that I have 'crashed out' on Mike Brown I have nothing further to add about him or his hiring again.

When did they hire Mike Brown?

[Im Coming Home]

I don't like Mike Brown.. hopefully he proves me wrong if chosen

I heard he improved from his original defensive minded only coach from back in the day though.

Whats his tendencies? Short bench? Long bench? Young players a chance? No?

[mpharris36]

Woodson
Payne
Bryant

Were all hired to help Thibodeau and they all left 1 by 1, and former players say Thibodeau wants to be in control of everything from practice to actual games.

He ignored Jalen and Rick when they were telling him to take out the starters in Game 6 against the Celtics even in a blow out.

The only people Thibodeau listened to were those that would tell him if he should challenge a call.

yeah thibs downfall is that he wouldn't budge and stubborn as a mule. Mike Brown coming in and the Knicks wanting to bring an associate HC to run the offense is already a plus that Thibs would never be in favor of.

If the FO suggest lineup variations Brown sounds like he's more than willing to have those convos when THibs was a my way or the highway.

Also we had a lot of players speak out so having a coach that is on the same page as all the players will be a plus as well.

Thibs ran his course. We are moving on.

It seems pretty clear that bringing in somebody who works as a team player and shares a vision of the team's identity and personnel management was high on the priority list. Even if Thibs was often right, he was totally a dictator.

correct this isn't about good or bad coaching as well. Its simply about them wanting someone more in lock step with the FO. Someone that don't have to worry about if they make a roster move will the "fit" into this specific coaches system.

Someone who might try a zone on defense so that it can be advantageous with our roster to keep Brunson/KAT out of every screen and roll especially in the playoffs. Someone willing to experiment and try out lineups especially in the regular season to find the best combinations. Someone willing to adjust on the fly.

All these things are important to this regime...especially with the window we have right now. It can't be a "im the coach" I know best situation.