The New York Knicks are still looking for a new head coach, and their search has hit a few speed bumps.
According to Shams Charania, the Knicks requested permission to speak with both Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch and Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka for their vacancy.
It didn’t go well.
“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,” per Charania.
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
It’s not surprising that the Timberwolves and Rockets said no to both of them.
Those are two playoff teams who believe in the rosters and coaching staffs they have now, and they believe they will only get better.
Why would they part ways with them, especially when they both had strong seasons and could be playoff contenders for years to come?
This raises an interesting question: why would the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau if they didn’t have a list of attainable replacements ready to go?
Many fans are still outraged about the loss of Thibodeau, and the fact that the Knicks are having a hard time replacing him will only make them more upset.
The situation in New York seems to be getting worse.
They are now without a coach, and their potential replacements aren’t lining up as they had hoped.
They still have options, and it’s not time to panic yet, but some people are afraid that the team’s front office doesn’t have a solid plan.
The Knicks will continue to seek interviews for Thibodeau’s replacement, but will they be granted any?
NEXT: Knicks Have Been Denied To Speak With Notable Coach