After a disastrous start to their head coach search, the New York Knicks have finally started making some headway.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the franchise will meet with Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown in the coming week. Both coaches are currently free agents but are proven at the NBA level.
“The New York Knicks are planning to meet with ex-Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown next week for their head coaching job, sources tell ESPN,” Charania reported via X. “First formal interviews for the Knicks vacancy, and more could come.”
Brown worked wonders with the Sacramento Kings before his shock release earlier this season. He’s also had spells coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. Brown has a coaching record of 454-304, giving him a win percentage of 59.9%. He also holds a 50-40 record in the playoffs.
Jenkins is another coach who was shockingly let go earlier this season. Under his tutelage, a young Memphis Grizzlies team became a genuine threat in the Western Conference. Unfortunately, injuries and disciplinary issues derailed Memphis’s shot at contending with Jenkins at the helm. Jenkins led the Grizzlies to a 250-214 record during his six seasons with the franchise. Unlike Brown, Jenkins has a losing postseason record, having lost 9 and won 14.
Knicks Strike Out on Billy Donovan
Earlier in their coaching search, the Knicks had reportedly sounded out the Chicago Bulls about potentially speaking with Donovan. That request was firmly denied. However, there was some belief within the media that Donovan could still be available.
“There are some whispers out there in the league tonight that the Knicks could circle back,” K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network said. “They don’t really believe that it’s a firm no. There might be some wiggle room…the Bulls did initially deny permission because they are in love with the job Billy Donovan is doing for them.”
However, since then, Johnson has updated his reporting, noting how Donovan is off limits to the Knicks, as the Bulls look to keep him around.
“Reported this last night because at the time there sounded like there could be fluidity to story, even as Knicks, like multiple outlets and we reported, are now focusing on unemployed candidates,” Johnson posted on X. “But Donovan isn’t going anywhere. He’s in Chicago to stay.”
Donovan has been tasked with helping develop the Bulls’ young talents as they embrace a rebuild. Therefore, the Knicks chance of landing the veteran coach likely sit at zero.
Knicks Also Rejected by Jay Wright
Another coach the Knicks reportedly had interest in was Jay Wright. The former Villanova Wildcats head coach has a prebuilt relationship with multiple key members of the roster.
However, Wright has also removed himself from the running for the coaching position.
“BREAKING: Jay Wright has confirmed to me that he has informed the Knicks that he is not interested in any coaching position and plans to remain retired,” Steph Davis of Hoops HQ reported via X.
With so many setbacks in the coaching search, Knicks fans will likely be hoping either Jenkins or Brown accept the role. After all, there are other areas the front office needs to focus on this summer. Having a new head coach in place for the offseason is vital. Therefore, the coming weeks will be very interesting for Knicks fans, as they wait to see who will be next in the hot seat.
