The New York Knicks are reportedly on the verge of hiring Mike Brown as their next head coach, as per a report from Shams Charania of ESPN.
Brown, who is 55, has extensive experience coaching in the NBA. His most recent position was with the Sacramento Kings, a tenure that ended abruptly in December after a 13-18 start. However, he is celebrated for leading the Kings to their first playoff appearance in 16 years during the 2022-23 season, an achievement that earned him the NBA Coach of the Year award.
This potential role would be Brown’s fifth head coaching opportunity, having previously led teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), the Los Angeles Lakers, and the Kings. His coaching resume is bolstered by a championship background, having served as an assistant for four NBA championship squads: two with the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr and two with Gregg Popovich’s San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks recently concluded their most successful playoff run in nearly 25 years, reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1999. Despite this achievement, the organization decided to part ways with Tom Thibodeau after a five-year tenure.
Alongside former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, Brown has emerged as one of the final candidates for the coaching position. According to Charania, he has been the only candidate to have multiple meetings with Knicks president Leon Rose, members of the front office, and team owner James Dolan, including an in-depth discussion on Tuesday
Brown, a two-time Coach of the Year winner—first with the Cavaliers in 2009 and again with the Kings in 2023—seems poised to take over a promising roster that features All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. Reports suggest the Knicks intend to retain much of their current assistant coaching staff, including Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father.
An official announcement regarding Brown’s hiring could be expected as early as this week.
