New York Knicks To Interview Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown: What’s Next For New York’s Coaching Future?

The New York Knicks are heading into what feels like a make-or-break moment in their pursuit of that long-awaited NBA championship. After the surprise firing of Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, the front office is wasting no time. Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown are reportedly on the shortlist, set to interview for the top job. This decision isn’t just about who’s calling plays from the bench next season. It is about whether this team can finally turn the corner and make a real run at a title.

Why the Knicks Parted Ways With Tom Thibodeau

Let’s be honest: firing Thibs wasn’t exactly expected. The man took the Knicks to the playoffs four times in five years and had them looking dangerous with a 51–31 record last season, not to mention their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in a quarter-century. Still, the brass upstairs felt the team had hit a ceiling. They’re craving a “fresh voice,” someone who can push this squad beyond stability and into true contention.

Thibodeau was a defensive mastermind, no question. But the league’s trending fast, fluid, and offensively creative, and the New York Knicks want a coach who can keep up. They’re betting that a new perspective might unlock more from their young core and get them over that championship hump.

Knicks Coaching Candidates: Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown

Taylor Jenkins, 40, isn’t a household name, but he’s made serious noise in NBA circles. During his time in Memphis, he turned the Grizzlies into a gritty playoff team with a 250–214 record and a peak 56-win season in 2021–22. He’s got a knack for player development, especially with younger talent, and his offense? It’s smart, fast, and flexible.

His firing this past season caught a lot of folks off guard. Honestly, it might’ve said more about the Grizzlies’ front office than Jenkins himself. For a Knicks team with some emerging stars still finding their ceiling, his approach could be exactly what they need.

Then there’s Mike Brown, a name most fans recognize. With a résumé that includes stints leading LeBron’s Cavaliers to the 2007 Finals and recent work turning Sacramento into a playoff-caliber team again, Brown brings stability and experience. His career record, 454–304, is nothing to sneeze at.

Sure, things didn’t end great with the Kings. He was let go midseason despite two straight 45-win years. But playoff coaching chops matter and Brown’s got plenty. If the Knicks want someone who knows how to handle pressure and egos, he might be the safer choice.

Knicks’ Bigger Coaching Strategy

Initially, the Knicks swung big. They reportedly reached out to current coaches like Jason Kidd and Billy Donovan, but both were tied up with their current teams and potential contract extensions. With those doors shut, New York shifted gears. Now, the focus is on experienced coaches who are available and top assistants who might be ready for the next step.

The front office has been clear. They want someone adaptable, holds players accountable, and can maximize what this roster can do. That last part’s key; there’s talent here. The right coach just has to unlock it.

What This Means For the Knicks’ Future

Let’s not sugarcoat it, the next head coach could very well determine the direction of this franchise for years to come. Bring in someone who can push the right buttons, and the Knicks go from playoff fixture to title threat. Miss and it’s back to square one.

Jenkins feels like the bold, modern pick. Brown? More proven, more predictable, and maybe a little safer. Either way, the team’s being deliberate. They know a lot is riding on this hire, and they’re not rushing into it.

Fan Reactions and Expectations Are Mixed

If you scroll through Knicks Twitter (or brave the Reddit threads), you’ll see fans are all over the place. Some are intrigued by Jenkins’ analytics-driven style and his work with young talent. Others can’t get past the fact that he just got fired. Brown has his backers, too, especially among fans who crave playoff stability. But there’s skepticism. His Sacramento exit didn’t exactly inspire confidence.

Bottom line. Whoever gets the job will be walking into a high-pressure situation. Expectations are sky-high, and patience is running low. The Knicks faithful have waited long enough.