Report: Knicks hiring Mike Brown as head coach

Field Level Media|published: Wed 2nd July, 13:52 2025

Dec 8, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown gestures during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks are expected to hire two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown as their new head coach, ESPN reported Wednesday.

Brown, 55, was fired by the Sacramento Kings last December after two-plus seasons. He previously coached the Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-10) and Los Angeles Lakers (2011-12) and has a career record of 454-304.

Brown replaces Tom Thibodeau, who was fired a month ago after leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

The Knicks reportedly conducted a second interview with Brown on Tuesday and also were said to be considering former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori.

The Knicks cast a wide net to replace Thibodeau. They attempted to interview current head coaches -- including Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, Chris Finch of the Timberwolves and Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets -- but were denied permission by those teams.

They also interviewed former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, as well as South Carolina championship-winning coach Dawn Staley for the opening.

Brown has won four NBA championships as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs (2003) and the Golden State Warriors (2017, 2018 and 2022). He led the Cavaliers to the 2006-07 NBA Finals, where they were swept by the Spurs.

--Field Level Media

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