The dust has barely settled on a New York Knicks season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in a quarter-century, yet the rumor mill for their next head coach is already spinning with a dizzying array of names. The unexpected firing of Tom Thibodeau, despite his significant success in bringing a winning culture back to Madison Square Garden, has set the stage for a pivotal decision by the Knicks front office, led by President Leon Rose.1 The mandate is clear: build on the established foundation and push for a championship, a quest that demands a coach who can both maximize the current roster’s potential and attract future star talent.
At the top of many lists, and perhaps the most intriguing, is Michael Malone, recently dismissed by the Denver Nuggets just before their playoff run.2 Malone’s championship pedigree, forged with the Nuggets in 2023, instantly makes him a formidable candidate. He brings a proven defensive mindset and, perhaps more importantly for the Knicks, deep organizational ties. His father, Brendan Malone, was a long-time Knicks assistant, and Michael himself served on the Knicks’ coaching staff early in his career.3 On paper, Malone appears to be an ideal fit: methodical, valuing stability, and boasting a championship résumé. However, the similarities between Malone and Thibodeau are striking. Both are known for their defensive prowess, strict rotations, and a reluctance to experiment with lineups during the regular season. The question then becomes, if the Knicks sought a departure from Thibodeau’s rigid approach, would Malone truly offer that, or would it be a case of swapping one defensive-minded, old-school coach for another? Furthermore, Malone’s offensive system in Denver was heavily reliant on the unique talents of Nikola Jokic. Adapting that to a Knicks roster that lacks such a generational centerpiece would be his immediate and significant challenge. The Nuggets’ low 3-point attempt rate under Malone, a stark contrast to a Knicks team looking to improve in that area, also raises a red flag. While a new voice can sometimes be enough, the front office must weigh whether Malone provides the creative adaptability they presumably desire.
Then there’s the wild card, a name that sends ripples of excitement and speculation throughout the league: Chris Paul. At 40 years old and currently with the San Antonio Spurs, Paul has never coached at any level, but his basketball IQ, leadership, and decades of experience as a “coach on the floor” are undeniable.4 His tenure as the long-time NBA Players Association president speaks to his influence and respect among his peers. The allure of Paul taking on a coaching role is immense, not least because of his strong personal relationship with Knicks president Leon Rose, who was his former agent.5 Paul’s ability to dissect defenses, orchestrate offenses, and command respect from players could translate remarkably well to the sideline. However, it’s a leap of faith to hand the reins of a contending team to a rookie head coach, regardless of their playing credentials. The transition from player to coach is rarely seamless, and the pressure in New York is immense. While Paul has reportedly expressed openness to coaching, and even discussed it with current head coaches like JJ Redick, the immediate demands of leading a team with championship aspirations might be too steep a learning curve for a first-time head coach. His strong personality, while an asset, could also lead to clashes, as some players over his career have found him challenging.
Beyond these two prominent figures, a host of other compelling candidates are being considered. Mike Budenholzer, a proven regular-season winner with the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks, offers a distinct contrast to Thibodeau.6 His teams are known for emphasizing 3-point shooting, protecting the paint, and strong rebounding – fundamentals that align with modern NBA offenses. Yet, questions persist about his playoff adaptability and willingness to make in-game adjustments, which ultimately contributed to his departure from Milwaukee. His most recent stint in Phoenix was also less than inspiring, raising concerns about his ability to deliver consistent postseason success.
Jeff Van Gundy, a beloved former Knicks coach, has also re-emerged in the conversation.7 After years in broadcasting, he returned to the sidelines as an assistant with the Los Angeles Clippers, demonstrating his continued passion for coaching. Van Gundy’s defensive principles and no-nonsense approach align with the Knicks’ hard-nosed identity, and his previous success in New York would instantly resonate with the fanbase. However, the game has evolved since his last head coaching stint, and the question is whether his methods can adapt to the contemporary NBA landscape.
The college ranks also offer intriguing possibilities, particularly Jay Wright, the legendary former Villanova head coach. Wright boasts strong connections to key Knicks players like Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart, all of whom thrived under his guidance and won national championships.8 His track record of player development and instilling a winning mentality is impeccable. The challenge, however, lies in luring him out of retirement. Wright has repeatedly expressed a reluctance to make the leap to the NBA, and while the appeal of coaching his former players on a contending team in a major market is undeniable, it remains uncertain if he would sacrifice his current comfortable role as a TV analyst for the demanding grind of an NBA head coaching job.
Another name with strong internal ties is Johnnie Bryant, currently an associate head coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers and previously an assistant under Thibodeau in New York.10 Bryant is lauded for his ability to build strong player relationships and his fresh perspective on the game. He’s been a finalist for other head coaching positions, indicating he’s on the cusp of leading his own team. The familiarity he has with the current Knicks roster is a significant advantage, potentially offering a smoother transition. However, like Paul, Bryant lacks head coaching experience, representing a risk for a team with immediate championship aspirations.
Finally, Dan Hurley, the highly successful UConn Huskies’ college coach, is another name in the mix.11 Known for his tactical acumen, particularly in developing ball movement and rebounding, Hurley has steered UConn to multiple national championships. The lure of coaching in the NBA, especially for a prominent franchise like the Knicks, might be tempting. However, his family’s preference for being in the tri-state area and the job security he has cultivated at UConn could make him hesitant to jump to the pro level.
The decision facing Leon Rose and the Knicks front office is multifaceted. Do they opt for a proven NBA head coach with a championship pedigree like Malone, despite the stylistic similarities to Thibodeau? Do they take a bold gamble on the unprecedented leadership and basketball mind of Chris Paul, despite his lack of coaching experience? Or do they look to the college ranks for a fresh perspective, or promote from within, hoping for a smooth transition and continued player development? The firing of Thibodeau suggests a desire for a different approach, perhaps one that emphasizes offensive creativity and player adaptability more than what was seen under the previous regime. The next coach will inherit a talented, resilient roster with a passionate fanbase clamoring for a title. The stakes are incredibly high, and the choice will undoubtedly shape the immediate future of the New York Knicks.
