The New York Knicks shocked the NBA world by parting ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. While the firing raised eyebrows around the league, the franchise seems intent on finding a new voice to lead them into a championship window.
Here are five of the top coaching options for the Knicks.
1. Michael Malone
Perhaps the most intriguing name on the market, Michael Malone was shockingly dismissed by the Denver Nuggets just days before the 2025 NBA Playoffs.
Despite guiding the Nuggets to their first championship in franchise history in 2023 and molding Nikola Jokic into a three-time MVP, front office friction reportedly led to his exit.
Malone is a defensive-minded coach with a calm demeanor, capable of handling big egos while emphasizing accountability. His experience with stars like Jokic and Jamal Murray could translate well to a Knicks team hoping to chase a title.
2. Mike Brown
Another high-level tactician suddenly on the open market, Mike Brown was dismissed earlier this season by the Sacramento Kings. He led the Kings to a playoff appearance in 2023 and is known for his defensive schemes and calm leadership.
Brown also boasts championship experience from his assistant coaching days with the Warriors. For a Knicks squad looking to take the next step without completely reinventing its defensive identity, Brown offers continuity with a fresh voice.
3. Jay Wright
While technically retired, Jay Wright’s name always bubbles to the surface when top NBA jobs open. The legendary Villanova coach led the Wildcats to two national titles and built a culture of discipline, selflessness, and player development.
Though he’s never coached at the NBA level, Wright is widely respected across basketball circles, and the Knicks job could be enough to lure him back to the sidelines. His polished style and calm leadership could offer a stark contrast to Thibodeau’s fiery approach, which may appeal to the Knicks front office.
4. Mike Budenholzer
Mike Budenholzer was just let go by the Phoenix Suns after one season, adding to his puzzling fall from grace. Just three years removed from leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship in 2021, Budenholzer remains one of the game’s brightest offensive minds.
His spacing systems helped unlock Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP form, and he could help elevate New York’s offense to new heights, especially with a cerebral floor general like Brunson. Budenholzer’s playoff resume is far from perfect, but his regular-season consistency and ability to develop rosters into elite units are undeniable.
5. Johnnie Bryant
Johnnie Bryant, currently the associate head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has long been viewed as a future head coach. He previously served on the Knicks’ bench as Thibodeau’s top assistant and has strong relationships with several core players, including Jalen Brunson.
Promoting Bryant would offer continuity while injecting a younger, more modern voice into the locker room. If the Knicks opt to stay in-house without rehiring Thibs, Bryant could be the ideal candidate to build upon the current foundation.
The Knicks are also rumored to have eyes on active coaches Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka. Kidd led the Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2024 and has been praised for his ability to manage egos and create strong defensive systems.
Udoka, now coaching the Rockets, has shown elite defensive acumen and guided the Boston Celtics to the Finals in 2022. If either becomes available, expect the Knicks to make a serious push, but until then, the focus remains on the current free-agent coaching pool.
