Philadelphia 76ers Rival Knicks Reportedly Targeting Local Legend

The New York Knicks made a shocking move this week by moving on from the head coach, Tom Thibodeau.

While Thibodeau’s seat was hot heading into the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Knicks’ ability to get through the first two rounds successfully made it seem that the head coach’s job was safe. After all, it was the first time the Knicks went to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000.

That wasn’t the case, though. Thibodeau found himself let go just days after the Knicks came up short against the Indiana Pacers in six games. The Philadelphia 76ers’ rival already has a list of candidates available, beginning with a handful of longshots.

According to The Stein Line’s Marc Stein, local legend Jay Wright is on the list.

“When it comes to available coaches, longtime Villanova coach Jay Wright — who has long expressed a reluctance to make the leap to the NBA — and Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant quickly emerged as presumed likely candidates … emphasis on presumed. Wright is obviously close with the Knicks' former Villanova trio of Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges but, again, has repeatedly said that he does not have NBA coaching aspirations.”