Fresh Intel Confirms Knicks' Stance on Hiring Dawn Staley

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 12:08 PM ET

The New York Knicks still don’t have a head coach. After firing Tom Thibodeau after the Eastern Conference Finals, the front office is continuing its search for a new leader.

One unexpected and headline-grabbing name in the mix is Dawn Staley, current head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks. Her potential hire would be historic, as the NBA has never had a female head coach.

Rumors swirled about whether Staley actually interviewed for the job, but recent intel confirms that she did.

James L. Edwards III of The Athletic reported, “Dawn Staley impressed in her interview for the Knicks head coaching vacancy.”

Dawn Staley impressed in her interview for the Knicks head coaching vacancy, sources tell @JLEdwardsIII.

As New York continues to search after Tom Thibodeau's firing, the South Carolina head coach was one of the candidates Knicks brass reached out to. Despite Staley impressing… pic.twitter.com/MNolfQ5TOO
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) July 1, 2025

That confirms Staley did speak with the Knicks. However, Edwards added that while she impressed, she’s not currently considered a finalist. Candidates still in the running include Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins and others.

The report also noted that the Knicks are considering second interviews with James Borrego and Micah Nori, according to multiple league sources.

Despite not being one of the finalists, Staley’s name remains a hot topic, especially in Columbia, South Carolina. Gamecock fans are keeping a close eye on developments in New York. She even recently mentioned interest in owning the future Philadelphia WNBA team.

Staley has led the South Carolina program since the 2008-09 season. The Gamecocks have reached the NCAA tournament Final Four in each of the last five seasons. In total, she’s taken her team to seven Final Fours and has been named Naismith Coach of the Year four times.

While it appears unlikely she’ll land the Knicks job this time, her interview marks another step forward in the push for women in top coaching roles in men’s professional sports.

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

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