Knicks to Interview Coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins Next Week

NEW YORK, NY — The New York Knicks are set to interview former coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins next week for their head coaching position, sources confirmed on Saturday. This marks a significant step in the Knicks’ search for a replacement after they fired Tom Thibodeau, who led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.

Brown impressed the Knicks during a 2020 interview before they hired Thibodeau. He received the NBA Coach of the Year award in his first season with the Sacramento Kings, where he ended a record 16-year playoff drought. His career coaching record stands at 455-304, and he has made the playoffs in seven of his nine full seasons.

Meanwhile, Jenkins coached the Memphis Grizzlies for six years, with a record of 250-214. He was let go in March after his team made it to the playoffs only once during his tenure, winning just one series.

The Knicks faced several setbacks in their search, as teams including the Dallas Mavericks and Chicago Bulls declined requests for interviews with Jason Kidd and Billy Donovan, respectively. They also sought to speak with coaches like Ime Udoka and Quin Snyder but were denied those opportunities.

While Jenkins and Brown are currently the front-runners, the Knicks are expected to evaluate other coaching candidates and speak with assistant coaches as well.

As the franchise looks for effective leadership after an unexpected early playoff exit, the upcoming interviews with Jenkins and Brown could provide clarity in their coaching direction.