The New York Knicks are closing in on Mike Brown to be their next head coach, according to a report from ESPN's Shams Charania.
Videos by FanBuzz
Brown, 55, is no stranger to the sidelines. A veteran of multiple NBA franchises, he most recently coached the Sacramento Kings, who dismissed him in December after a 13-18 start. Despite the abrupt end, Brown led Sacramento to its first playoff berth in 16 years during the 2022-23 season, earning NBA Coach of the Year honors in the process.
It would mark Brown's fifth head-coaching stop following previous stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers (twice), Los Angeles Lakers and Kings. He also brings a championship pedigree, having served as an assistant on four NBA title teams — two with the Golden State Warriors under Steve Kerr and two with Gregg Popovich's San Antonio Spurs.
The Knicks are coming off their deepest playoff run in nearly a quarter-century, reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1999. Still, the franchise opted to part ways with Tom Thibodeau after five seasons.
Brown emerged as one of two finalists for the vacancy, along with former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins. According to Charania, Brown was the only candidate to meet multiple times with Knicks president Leon Rose, members of the front office, and team owner James Dolan, including a lengthy sit-down on Tuesday.
A two-time Coach of the Year winner — first with the Cavaliers in 2009, then with the Kings in 2023 — Brown is expected to inherit a talented roster led by All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. The Knicks are reportedly planning to retain much of the current assistant coaching staff, including Rick Brunson, Jalen's father.
An official announcement could come as soon as this week.
