South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley reacts during the first half of the national championship of the women's 2025 NCAA tournament. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Cowboys legend endorses shocking New York Knicks-Dawn Staley rumor

Originally posted on Dallas Cowboys on SI
By Randy Gurzi | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 5:29 PM ET

The New York Knicks moved on from head coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons and a record of 226-174. He had just one losing season, but the Knicks are looking for someone who can take them to the next level.

They’re turning over every stone in their latest head coaching search, even reportedly reaching out to South Carolina women’s coach Dawn Staley.

A hire like this would be historic as Staley would be the first female head coach in the NBA, and Dallas Cowboys legend Dez Bryant is endorsing the potential move.

This would go crazy!!! https://t.co/SDHZWPiM2E
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) June 28, 2025

Bryant is right that such a move would “go crazy.” Not only would it be historic to see Staley hired, but having her coach the Knicks in Madison Square Garden would take an epic situation and make it even more iconic.

It’s also hard to argue against the move. Staley has had success dating back to her WNBA playing career, which began in 1999 when she was drafted by the Charlotte Sting out of Virginia. She was a six-time All-Star who has been more successful as a coach.

Staley has won three NCAA Tournament titles, including one in 2024. Staley’s teams have also been in the women’s Final Four seven times, and currently have a five-year streak going.

This article first appeared on Dallas Cowboys on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: