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Rick Pitino Sends Clear Plea for Who Knicks Should Hire as Head Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 7:31 PM ET

St. John’s Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino may have only had a brief stint in the NBA — coaching both the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics — but with a legendary college coaching career, he certainly knows what makes a great coach.

Now back in New York and coaching in the heart of the city at St. John’s, Pitino shared a strong opinion on the Knicks’ current head coaching vacancy following the surprising dismissal of Tom Thibodeau, who had just led the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.

The Knicks have reportedly been denied permission to interview several current NBA head coaches, including Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, and Quinn Snyder.

In the midst of the stalled search, Pitino made his preference clear: he believes the Knicks should seriously consider hiring Mark Jackson.

"I obviously coached our rookie of the year, Mark Jackson," Pitino wrote. "I believe he spent 18 years in the NBA as a player. Great coach with the Warriors and one of the brightest minds I've coached. Would love to see the Knicks bring Mark Jackson home!!"

I obviously coached our rookie of the year, Mark Jackson. I believe he spent 18 years in the NBA as a player. Great coach with the Warriors and one of the brightest minds I've coached. Would love to see the Knicks bring Mark Jackson home!!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 11, 2025

A former Knicks player who spent seven seasons with the team, Jackson also coached the Golden State Warriors and is widely credited with laying the foundation for the team’s modern-day dynasty — notably developing the 3-point-centric offense around Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

Golden State parted ways with Jackson after the 2014 season, opting to hire Steve Kerr — a move that ultimately led to the Warriors' dynasty. Since then, Jackson has been considered for several coaching roles but has yet to land another NBA job.

The Knicks appear committed to conducting a broad and thorough coaching search as they look to take the next step as a franchise — and Jackson is a name that could very well be in the mix.

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

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