The New York Knicks are currently without a head coach, but that won’t be the case for long.
Even though the front office is staying tight-lipped about their search to replace Tom Thibodeau, they are surely hard at work finding someone who suits the job well.
Speaking on ESPN, Stephen A. Smith had a suggestion for the powerful and important position.
“I’m going to always mention the name Mark Jackson. This man was responsible for building Golden State before Steve Kerr was brought in and took over and piggybacked off of that. Mark Jackson was a Rookie of the Year playing for the New York Knicks. Mark Jackson was a preeminent voice on the NBA, and he knows and feels and vibes with New York,” Smith said, via NBACentral.
Stephen A. Smith wants the Knicks to look at Mark Jackson
“This man was responsible for building Golden State before Steve Kerr was brought in and took over and piggybacked off of that.”
(🎥 @FirstTake / h/t @awfulannouncing )
pic.twitter.com/CCTyMK5sR3
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 9, 2025
This isn’t the first time that Smith has suggested Jackson for a role in the league.
He is clearly a big fan of the man and believes in his ability to lead a team.
Jackson showed off those abilities, but it was more than a decade ago.
He led the Golden State Warriors for three seasons, achieving a 121-109 record between 2011 and 2014.
As noted by Smith, Jackson was the coach who got the team in the position it was in when Steve Kerr took over.
Jackson was tasked with priming Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and others.
He wasn’t around to see their massive success and multiple championships, but many fans say that Jackson’s role with the team is a big part of why they ended up becoming a dynasty.
Will he get another chance to coach in the league?
The Knicks are considering a lot of people to replace Thibodeau.
They want someone with experience, versatility, and an aggressive desire to win.
Is that Jackson, or will someone else get the job?
NEXT: Insider Names 5 Free Agents Knicks Could Consider In Offseason