Dawn Staley ‘Shot Herself in the Foot’ During Knicks Coaching Vacancy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 1:32 PM ET

The NBA offseason has brought plenty of speculation about coaching changes, but few stories have carried as much intrigue as Dawn Staley’s candid reflections on nearly joining the New York Knicks.

Appearing on “Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston," the South Carolina Gamecocks head coach revealed she would have accepted the Knicks job if offered. However, Staley admitted that her own line of questioning during the interview process may have worked against her chances. The Knicks ultimately hired Mike Brown.

Staley explained that she asked Knicks management how they would handle the increased media attention and scrutiny that would come with hiring a female coach, something male candidates would not face. She now believes that pressing the issue so directly may have cost her the opportunity, saying she “shot herself in the foot.”

Dawn Staley speaks on coaching in the NBA, saying “if the Knicks would have offered me the job, I would have had to do it.” pic.twitter.com/BnBGEskmNx
— Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston (@PostMovesShow) August 27, 2025

Dawn Staley’s Top Coaching Achievements

Three-time NCAA national champion head coach with South Carolina
Four-time Naismith Coach of the Year winner
Olympic gold medalist as both player and coach
Guided South Carolina to nine regular-season crowns and nine SEC Tournament titles
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Staley’s Place in Basketball

Staley has become one of the most respected voices in the sport, building South Carolina into a powerhouse program while also continually growing the future of women’s basketball. Her name being tied to the Knicks vacancy showed how far the conversation has come about female coaches crossing into the NBA ranks. While she was not hired, the fact that she was considered highlights the growing recognition of her coaching credentials.

For Staley, the experience shows the balancing act female coaches face in professional sports. Addressing the realities of added pressure and public attention is necessary, but it can also complicate opportunities in leagues that are still untested when it comes to hiring women at the top coaching level.

What Did the Knicks Miss Out on?

Staley’s name being linked to the Knicks shows how close the NBA might be to seeing its first female head coach. By speaking openly about the challenges she would face, she not only showed the reality of the situation but also strengthened her reputation as a proven winner who is unafraid to take on difficult conversations. For now, she continues to be one of the best coaches in women's college basketball and is eager for the 2025-26 Gamecocks to take the floor.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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