
The New York Knicks are looking at a strong start in the Eastern Conference semifinals, but questions about their long-term coaching direction haven’t gone away.
Despite a dominant Game 1 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, pressure continues to build around head coach Mike Brown. With championship expectations set by ownership, anything short of an NBA Finals appearance could trigger major changes.
According to reports from Sam Amick of The Athletic, Billy Donovan has emerged as a potential fallback option if New York decides to move on.
“As the former Chicago Bulls coach has long been pegged as a possible replacement for both the Magic and New York Knicks (if Mike Brown were to be dismissed),” he wrote.
Billy Donovan is being linked to the New York Knicks as a potential option if Mike Brown is dismissed, per @sam_amick
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) May 5, 2026
“as the former Chicago Bulls coach has long been pegged as a possible replacement for both the Magic and New York Knicks (if Mike Brown were to be dismissed).”… pic.twitter.com/jQM1I9rhJj
The former Chicago Bulls coach is one of the most interesting names on the market after stepping away at the end of the season, with multiple teams monitoring his availability.
The situation comes amid the high-stakes environment surrounding the Knicks. After parting ways with Tom Thibodeau last year, the organization made a clear pivot by bringing in Brown.
So far, the results have been encouraging. New York has won four straight playoff games and currently boasts one of the most efficient offenses in the postseason, led by Jalen Brunson. Still, scrutiny remains over in-game adjustments and rotation decisions, areas that could come under sharper focus as the series progresses.
The New York Knicks may not be alone in their pursuit of a potential coaching change, with the Orlando Magic emerging as a serious contender for Billy Donovan if the job market opens up.
While the Knicks currently have Mike Brown in place, speculation around his future continues to grow amid the team’s high postseason expectations.
At the same time, Orlando has already created a vacancy by moving on from Jamahl Mosley, positioning itself as an immediate landing spot. League insiders suggest the Magic are prepared to make an aggressive push, though Donovan could take a patient approach.
A coaching change, however, would carry its own risks for both teams. Moving on from back-to-back head coaches in consecutive seasons could raise concerns about organizational stability, particularly among potential free agents.
For now, Brown remains in control of a team firmly in contention. But with expectations as high as they’ve been in years, the margin for error is minimal.
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