The New York Knicks’ search for a new head coach is hitting several roadblocks. Two top targets are reportedly off the table, while a third candidate’s availability appears increasingly unlikely.
The franchise now finds itself scrambling for options just days after parting ways with Tom Thibodeau, the coach who helped guide the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years. Sure, Thibodeau restored the team’s competitive floor over his five-season run. However, internal concerns lingered about whether his defense-first, old-school approach could maximize the Jalen Brunson era.
With a thin pool of high-profile coaching candidates, New York has tried to explore current head coaches under contract. So far, multiple teams have denied interview requests, and the Knicks’ top options may be dwindling before the process truly begins.
Knicks Denied Permission To Interview Chris Finch and Ime Udoka for Coaching Vacancy
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania’s Tuesday report, New York unsuccessfully sought approval to interview the head coaches of two Western Conference playoff teams.
“The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their head coaching job, but were denied on both, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote.
The NBA insider added that the “Knicks could request permission for other current head coaches too.”
The New York Knicks requested permission to speak to Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka for their head coaching job, but were denied on both, sources tell ESPN. Knicks could request permission for other current head coaches too.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 11, 2025
Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd has also been attached to New York’s job opening. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Kidd, who finished his 19-year playing career with the organization and coached Brunson in Dallas, would be a no-brainer hire.
“The Knicks absolutely would like to hire Jason Kidd to be their next head coach. The question is, will the Dallas Mavericks allow that?” Windhorst said on “Get Up.” “… If the Mavericks would agree to send Jason Kidd to the Knicks, I believe he would be with the Knicks.”
“The Knicks absolutely would like to hire Jason Kidd to be their next head coach. The question is, will the Dallas Mavericks allow that?”
—@WindhorstESPN 👀 pic.twitter.com/3hxZBjCNPs
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 10, 2025
However, continuing a trend in the Knicks’ coaching search, Charania issued a follow-up report that they aren’t expected to be granted access to speak with the Hall of Famer.
“The Knicks have not requested permission for Mavericks coach Jason Kidd as of Tuesday night, but sources tell ESPN that the Mavericks would reject them,” Charania wrote.
The Knicks have not requested permission for Mavericks coach Jason Kidd as of Tuesday night, but sources tell ESPN that the Mavericks would reject them. https://t.co/5oSSGQb0x4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 11, 2025
Thus, it appears the Knicks will likely have to continue moving further down their coaching candidates list to options who are readily available. Other names connected to the position include Detroit Pistons assistant coach Luke Walton and recently fired Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown.
However, hiring a new coach with less of a proven track record than Thibodeau may be a tough sell for New York fans, who have been divided on his firing.