After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, the New York Knicks made the bold and unexpected decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau.
The move signaled a shift in direction for the franchise, one that suggests a different vision than the style of coaching Tom Thibodeau brought. As a result, several intriguing names have emerged as potential candidates for the vacancy.
Among those reportedly on the Knicks' radar is Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who previously coached Brunson in Dallas for one season.
Other names mentioned include Mike Brown, Mike Malone, Luke Walton, and current Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant. But one name that has continually drawn attention is legendary Villanova head coach and current CBS Sports analyst Jay Wright.
Wright coached Brunson—as well as Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart—at Villanova, playing a major role in their development. His strong ties to those players and his connection to Knicks president Leon Rose fueled speculation about a possible return to coaching.
However, Wright has now made his stance clear. According to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein, Wright is not expected to be a candidate for the Knicks job and will not be taking an interview.
Despite his close relationship with Rose, sources indicate that Wright remains happily retired and has no intention of returning to the sidelines.
Jay Wright boasts an illustrious resume that includes two national championships, two Naismith National Coach of the Year awards, the most wins in Villanova program history, and an induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Yet at 63, Wright appears uninterested in taking on the challenge of coaching at Madison Square Garden—a job that comes with immense pressure, relentless media scrutiny, and sky-high expectations.
Former Villanova head coach and current CBS analyst Jay Wright before a game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Pennsylvania Quakers at William B. Finneran Pavilion
Former Villanova head coach and current CBS analyst Jay Wright before a game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Pennsylvania Quakers at William B. Finneran Pavilion
© Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Anything short of returning to the conference finals—or exceeding it—will likely be seen as a step backward and a justification for skepticism surrounding the decision to move on from Thibodeau.