New York Knicks

Another candidate has emerged as a potential head coach for the New York Knicks, former Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek.

By Chip Murphy

Jeff Hornacek was fired by the Phoenix Suns on Feb. 1, 2016, after his team started out 14-35.

Hornacek finished second in Coach of the Year voting after the 2013-14 season and was considered an up and coming coach in the league.

After being scapegoated by a flailing team he’s a free agent, and the New York Knicks are taking advantage.

According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Knicks have expanded their coaching search beyond the initial three of Kurt Rambis, David Blatt, and Frank Vogel.

The newest name to surface is Hornacek.

Hornacek is in a similar situation to Vogel, with multiple teams interested in his services. It won’t be easy for the Knicks to convince him to take on such a massive undertaking.

You would have to think that being a head coach is preferable to taking a step back as an assistant, regardless of whether it’s with the Warriors or not. Then again, look what sitting next to Steve Kerr has done for Alvin Gentry and Luke Walton. Golden State could be the right move for Hornacek.

Vogel is a top flight head coach with a great reputation. He can afford to sit out a season like Tom Thibodeau did and vet his options. Hornacek hasn’t built up that pedigree yet. His departure from Phoenix left him looking poorly, and Hornacek may want to jump onto a new job and redeem himself as soon as possible.

Whether or not it’s with the Knicks, who knows?

NEXT: Options At Shooting Guard During Free Agency

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I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com. I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets. Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.