The New York Knicks coaching search will leave no stone unturned as big names are said to be on their list.
Steve Mills and Scott Perry don’t plan on limiting their coaching search based on early reports. The New York Knicks’ head coaching search will include a number of big names and familiar faces.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Knicks have contacted Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson about the open head coaching position.
Mark Jackson will make no mistake about it—he wants this job. He grew up in New York, played at St. John’s, and began his NBA career with the Knicks. If there was any doubt about whether or not he is interested in the job, he hinted at his interest in a very heavy-handed way during the Warriors-Spurs game on Saturday.
Lmmfao, Mark Jackson “clearing his throat” while they show Fizdale on screen, talking about coaching openings around the NBA (turn on audio!) ??? pic.twitter.com/2xMcmIamN2
— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) April 14, 2018
Van Gundy is playing things a bit closer to the chest as he has always been known to do. The former Knicks coach told Marc Berman of the New York Post that he won’t be commenting publicly on his interest in the vacancy. Van Gundy told Berman:
“I always keep changing my answer to the same question. Now that the job is available, I can say I just don’t talk about coaching searches. I don’t think it does anybody any good. It doesn’t do me any good, the teams any good. If teams want to comment, that’s their right. For myself, it’s so much better not to get drawn in those type of conversations publicly. You guys know I’m a huge Knicks fan and I want what’s best for them. Whatever they decide, I hope it works for them.”
The broadcasting partners are sure to be two of the more popular choices among fans, but they won’t be the only candidates Mills and Perry consider. Isola is reporting that the Knicks have reached out to set up interviews with former Memphis Grizzlies coach, David Fizdale, and current 905 Raptors coach, Jerry Stackhouse.
In all likelihood, the front office will take their time with this coaching search, but they are moving on a few candidates that could be excellent options for the team’s head coaching vacancy.
