David Banks-Imagn Images

Knicks Denied Permission To Interview Bulls’ Billy Donovan For Coaching Vacancy

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 9:55 PM ET

So far, the New York Knicks’ coaching search is turning up major zeroes. As in 0-for-5. That’s the number of strikeouts now, as the Knicks were denied in their request to interview Chicago Bulls coach Billy Donovan, per K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network.

So add Donovan to a list that also reportedly also includes Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder, Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka.

“The Knicks gotta be the stupidest damn people in the world,” former NBA star Charles Barkley said on NBA TV, referring to their early coaching search.

Donovan at least has some ties to the organization, having played briefly for the Knicks back in the late 1980s, when Rick Pitino was coach. Donovan played for Pitino in college at Providence. And who knows? Maybe the Knicks will try to start stealing college coaches next. They sure aren’t having any luck with other teams’ NBA coaches.

Anyway, the Knicks need a new coach after firing Tom Thibodeau after five seasons last week. Thibodeau guided the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years.

According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks are “in no rush to make a hire.”

Donovan has coached the Bulls for five years, compiling a 195-205 record. He coached the Oklahoma City Thunder for five season before that and won two NCAA championships while coaching Florida.

This article first appeared on Hoops Wire and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: