Reports: Jay Wright not interested in coaching Knicks

Field Level Media|published: Sat 7th June, 21:56 2025

NCAA Basketball: Final Four-Florida Practice

Apr 4, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Florida Gators guard Will Richard (5) and TV personality Jay Wright during a practice session for the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Although the Knicks have three players whom Jay Wright coached at Villanova, the retired Hall of Famer will not resume his career with New York, multiple media outlets reported on Saturday.

Per the reports, Wright and Knicks president Leon Rose -- who are close -- had a discussion about the coaching vacancy but a formal interview was not scheduled.

Following their first trip to the Eastern Conference finals in 25 years, the Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday after just one season at the helm.

At Villanova, Wright coached current Knicks Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, who were all members of the program's 2016 national championship team.

After 21 seasons at Villanova, Wright retired in 2022 and became a college basketball analyst for CBS and TNT. He compiled a 520-197 record at the school.

Commenting on social media regarding the reports that Wright would not be coaching the Knicks, Hart jokingly posted, "Man Thank You. Stay retired!"

Per ESPN, Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd is among the candidates who have been on the Knicks' radar since Thibodeau's dismissal.

--Field Level Media