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Knicks rumored to be interested in Dawn Staley as next coach

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Titan Frey | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 9:40 AM ET

The New York Knicks shocked the NBA world when they fired head coach Tom Thibodeau. This occurred after the Knicks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Knicks have been on the hunt for a new coach and according to reports many of their top candidates are passing on the job . There’s a new report out the New York may be interested in South Carolina’s Dawn Staley.

“According to league sources, both Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown are headed for a second round of interviews. Micah Nori is still being considered. The Knicks have also reached out to South Carolina HC Dawn Staley about the job.”

Knicks News: According to league sources, both Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown are headed for a second round of interviews. Micah Nori is still being considered. The Knicks have also reached out to South Carolina HC Dawn Staley about the job.

More here – https://t.co/16WxgNdxWQ pic.twitter.com/nlGPsY5SfW

— Knicks Fan TV (@KnicksFanTv) June 28, 2025

As mentioned, Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown, and Micah Nori are candidates. Still, Staley would be an excellent choice and a history-making choice.

There has only been one woman to hold a head coaching job in NBA history. That was Becky Hammon for the San Antonio Spurs in 2020.

This occurred in a game against the Los Angeles Lakers where head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected from the game. If hired, Staley would be the first woman hired for a head coaching position.

Staley’s resume speaks for itself. She won three national titles with the Gamecocks in 2017, 2022, and 2024. At South Carolina, she has complied a 475-110 record and led the Gamecocks to an undefeated season in 2023-24.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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