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New York Knicks sign former LA Lakers staffer to replace Jalen Brunson’s father as associate head coach

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 9, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The New York Knicks now have their next associate head coach to help Mike Brown, and he has plenty of experience with superstars.

The New York Knicks made a huge coaching change this offseason. After their Eastern Conference Finals exit, the Knicks let Tom Thibodeau go, paving the way for a new coach.

After a lengthy and tenuous search, the Knicks hired Mike Brown as their next head coach. The new direction is one the entire team seems to have bought into.

Since then, the Knicks have looked to pad out Brown’s coaching staff. While the Knicks really wanted Darvin Ham, the Bucks put an end to that query very quickly.

After that, the Knicks looked to Pacers assistant coach Mike Weinar, trying to bring an architect of their downfall in the playoffs.

But the Knicks really wanted LeBron James’ former coach, Chris Jent, who had last been on the Hornets, and even was an assistant coach for the Lakers. Well, third time might be the charm, as the Knicks now have their man.

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New York Knicks hire Chris Jent as associate head coach

Shams Charania reported that the New York Knicks finalized the hiring of Charlotte Hornets assistant coach Chris Jent recently.

Jent will take over as the associate head coach. This role was previously held by Rick Brunson, Jalen Brunson’s father, after Johnny Bryant left the role to join Kenny Atkinson on the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“Charlotte Hornets assistant Chris Jent is finalizing a deal to become the associate head coach of the New York Knicks under Mike Brown, sources tell ESPN.

“New York and Tyler Glass of CSE Talent negotiated terms for Jent, who returns to Knicks where he spent 1996-97 as a player.”

Jent previously played for the New York Knicks during the 1996-97 NBA. In fact, his only NBA championship win also came against the Knicks, when he and the Rockets won in 1994.

Charlotte Hornets assistant Chris Jent is finalizing a deal to become the associate head coach of the New York Knicks under Mike Brown, sources tell ESPN. New York and Tyler Glass of CSE Talent negotiated terms for Jent, who returns to Knicks where he spent 1996-97 as a player. pic.twitter.com/oaO1onPUpc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 9, 2025

Jalen Brunson could grow frustrated over Rick Brunson demotion

Jent’s hiring was primarily a call from Mike Brown. Upon arriving on the team, Brown and the Knicks reportedly decided to hire a new associate head coach to avoid conflicts of interest for Rick Brunson, whose son is a star on the team.

“Mike Brown is expected to hire a new associate head coach, The Post has learned, a move that will change the dynamics in front of the Knicks bench by giving Rick Brunson a lesser role.

“It’s viewed as a gesture by the organization to give Brown more control while simultaneously addressing the distractions or perceptions of conflicts of interest that arose last season by having the star player’s father as the top assistant.”

Could the demotion of his father lead to Jalen Brunson growing frustrated with the team? It’s very possible that he takes the slight personally.

Jalen Brunson praised Brown as a head coach in the past. However, those comments were made prior to his arrival in New York.

We know how important Rick Brunson’s role on the Knicks was to landing Jalen in 2022. Jalen Brunson’s situation is one to monitor heading into the new season.

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

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