Knicks head coaching search: Updates, latest news as team closes in on Mike Brown

The New York Knicks are actively searching for a new head coach following their surprising decision to fire Tom Thibodeau on June 3.

After weeks of searching, the Knicks may be nearing a decision, reportedly closing in on hiring Mike Brown as Thibodeau's replacement. Brown was most recently fired by the Sacramento Kings during the 2024-25 NBA season after a 13-18 start. The 55-year-old Brown has significant head coaching experience, having previously led the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, amassing a 454-304 record over 11 seasons, though he has never won an NBA championship as a head coach.

The Knicks' search faced initial setbacks, as five NBA teams rejected their requests to interview their current head coaches. This led the Knicks to shift their focus to former NBA head coaches. They have interviewed ex-Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and ex-Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown, and added Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori to their interview list on June 24.

Both Jenkins and Brown were unexpectedly fired during this season despite leading their respective teams to the playoffs. One of them could now be tasked with leading the Knicks beyond the Eastern Conference finals, a stage Thibodeau reached before his dismissal.

Thibodeau had revitalized the Knicks upon his arrival in 2020, ending seven consecutive losing seasons. He ultimately guided the team to back-to-back 50-win seasons and their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since 2000.