3 Candidates to Watch For Knicks' Head Coaching Opening

Instead, the Knicks felt that it was time for a change on the sidelines as they try to contend for a championship next season.

Of course, the Knicks now have a key decision to make regarding their head coaching vacancy as they begin their offseason and now the question is who will New York hire to replace Thibodeau.

Many began speculating after Thibodeau’s firing on Tuesday that one of New York’s first calls would be to former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone.

Malone would be a great fit in New York due to his championship experience and coaching style that helped turn the Nuggets into a title contender during his time with the team.

If the Knicks do not go after Malone, they could instead look to add a coach already in their system in Rick Brunson.

Brunson played nine seasons in the NBA before he joined Denver Nuggets as an assistant coach in 2006. He then spent time with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves before joining New York’s staff in 2022.

Of course, Brunson is also the father of Knicks star Jalen Brunson, who could push New York to hire his father as the franchise’s next head coach.

Outside of both Malone and Brunson, there are tons of other potential candidates for New York’s opening but one that has been flying around after Thibodeau’s firing is Jay Wright.

Wright led Villanova to two championships during his 21 seasons with the university and he already has a connection with Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, all of whom won a title under him at Villanova.

Of course, Wright retired from coaching in 2021 and has no NBA experience but it could intrigue him to land a top NBA job with some of his former players on the roster.