Dawn Staley Not Considered Finalist For Knicks Job Despite Being Impressive During Interview

The New York Knicks need a new head coach after firing Tom Thibodeau, who led the franchise to the conference finals this year for the first time since 2000. 

Thibodeau was hired by the Knicks in 2020. He went 226-174 in the regular season and 24-23 in the postseason and won the 2021 Coach of the Year Award. 

The Knicks reached out to South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, who was impressive during the interview.

However, she’s not considered a finalist for the job. 

“During this process, the Knicks also reached out to South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley, league sources told The Athletic,” James L. Edwards III of The Athletic wrote. “And while she impressed in that conversation, she is currently not considered a finalist for the position, league sources said.”

The Knicks have formally invited Mike Brown back for a second interview. Brown has coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings. He is 454-304 in the regular season and 50-40 in the playoffs. 

New York lost to the Indiana Pacers in this year’s conference finals in six games.