Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

‘Getting desperate’… Jeff Teague was ‘offended’ New York Knicks reached out to hire head coach

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network | By Dan Coombs | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 4:00 PM ET

The New York Knicks’ attempts to hire a new head coach are ongoing, and have had a few missteps along the way.

After firing Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks‘ first course of action was to attempt to poach coaches already working on other NBA teams.

The Knicks requested permission from five teams around the league to speak to their head coaches, and they were refused by all five.

One of these was Ime Udoka, who has since signed a new contract with the Houston Rockets . Chris Finch, Billy Donovan, Jason Kidd and Quin Snyder were the other four.

Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Jeff Teague on Quin Snyder

Former NBA star Jeff Teague is not a fan of the Knicks’ strategy, and has questioned their decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau.

He says as a former Atlanta Hawks player, he was shocked at their futile attempt to speak to Quin Snyder.

Speaking to The Rich Eisen Show, Teague commented: “When they called for Quin Snyder in Atlanta, that’s my guy, Quin’s my guy, Atlanta’s my team, that’s when ‘alright we getting desperate’.

“We didn’t even have the best season and now they calling about Quin, hold on now. Chill out.”

Teague is convinced Snyder is in Atlanta for the long-haul, having signed a five-year deal in 2023.

He said: “Quin not going nowhere. I was even offended when they called like he’s for sale. We just hired him, got him locked down in Atlanta.

“New York should have kept Thibs,” he added.

New York Knicks have interviewed four coaches

The New York Knicks have four candidates at the interview stage. These include available head coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins, who were fired by the Kings and Grizzlies this past season.

Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori and Pelicans assistant James Borrego are also speaking to the Knicks.

There is no timeframe set for the Knicks to make a decision, with it unclear if an appointment will be made before free agency.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: