Knicks Turn to Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins After Striking Out on Top Coaching Targets

Knicks Turn to Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins After Striking Out on Top Coaching Targets
Knicks Turn to Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins After Striking Out on Top Coaching Targets

The New York Knicks are initiating the first round of formal interviews for their vacant head coaching position, beginning with meetings next week with Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins. Both coaches bring substantial experience, with Brown previously leading the Sacramento Kings and Jenkins most recently coaching the Memphis Grizzlies. Brown is no stranger to the Knicks’ radar, having interviewed for the same role in 2020, where he reportedly made a strong impression before the team chose Tom Thibodeau.

Knicks Face Multiple Rejections in Pursuit of Top-Tier Head Coaching Candidates

The Knicks have faced resistance from several NBA teams as they pursue candidates. The Dallas Mavericks turned down New York’s request to interview head coach Jason Kidd. Similarly, the Houston Rockets and Minnesota Timberwolves declined to allow Ime Udoka and Chris Finch, respectively, to interview.

These rejections have narrowed the Knicks’ options, pushing them to focus more heavily on available former head coaches like Brown and Jenkins.

Knicks Turn to Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins After Striking Out on Top Coaching Targets
Knicks Turn to Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins After Striking Out on Top Coaching Targets

New York also attempted to secure a meeting with Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder, but the request was denied. Snyder recently completed his third season with the Hawks and remains under contract. These denials underscore the difficulty the Knicks are encountering in securing access to top-tier, currently employed coaches, as many teams prefer to retain their head coaches or limit their exposure to other franchises during the offseason.

Veteran Coaches Brown and Jenkins Offer Experience, Success, and Proven Player Development Skills

Mike Brown brings a rich résumé to the table, having revitalized the Sacramento Kings and earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2023. During his time with the Kings, he helped end the franchise’s 16-year playoff drought and amassed a 107-88 record over two full seasons and part of a third.

Brown has coached in the NBA for over a decade, with prior stints leading the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. His overall career record stands at 455-304, and he’s made the playoffs in seven of his nine full seasons as a head coach.

Taylor Jenkins led the Memphis Grizzlies from 2019 to early 2024, a period that coincided with the rise of star guard Ja Morant. Under Jenkins, the Grizzlies reached the postseason three times and secured one playoff series win.

While he was dismissed earlier this year, Jenkins is recognized for helping build a strong young core and fostering a competitive culture in Memphis. His track record of player development and postseason appearances could make him an appealing candidate for a Knicks team aiming to maintain recent momentum.