Potential New York Knicks Head Coaches to Replace Tom Thibodeau

The New York Knicks’ plans for their next head coach have hit a few road bumps.

The Knicks relieved head coach Tom Thibodeau of his duties on June 3, three days after the New York was eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals in six games against the Indiana Pacers.

In five seasons as Knicks head coach, Thibodeau led the franchise to a 226-174 regular season record, four playoff appearances, a 24-23 playoff record and the team’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. Prior to Thibodeau arriving in New York, the Knicks had not made the playoffs in seven seasons.

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the Knicks requested permission to speak with three active NBA head coaches to replace Thibodeau – the Timberwolves’ Chris Finch, the Rockets’ Ime Udoka and the Mavericks’ Jason Kidd. All three teams denied New York’s request, per multiple sources.

Kidd had emerged as a top candidate due to his history working with Jalen Brunson and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who the Knicks could still be eyeing for a blockbuster trade this offseason.

Former Villanova head coach Jay Wright also reportedly informed the Knicks he is not interested in the head coaching role.

Now, team owner James Dolan and president Leon Rose must revise their search. There are several names on the open market, whom we will discuss below, with NBA championship pedigree. There is also potential for an up-and-coming, first-time head coach to take the post in New York City.

Let’s assess the latest list of potential candidates for the Knicks job.

Johnnie Bryant

Former Knicks associate head coach Johnnie Bryant has been a hot topic this NBA coaching cycle, and with a fresh opening in New York City, he could be the man for the role.

Bryant, 39, served on Thibodeau’s staff in New York from 2020 to 2024, before joining the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2024/25 season.

Bryant was reportedly a finalist for the Phoenix Suns head coaching role, but former Cavs assistant Jordan Ott got the job.

It's entirely possible that the Knicks want Bryant, but felt the need to cover their bases by requesting to speak with active NBA head coaches Finch, Udoka and Kidd.

After getting denied on all three fronts, they might not have another choice.

Michael Malone

Former Denver Nuggets head coach and 2023 NBA champion Mike Malone is another candidate to replace Thibodeau in New York.

Malone was fired from his position as Nuggets head coach with three games remaining in the 2024/25 regular season, despite leading the team to seventh-straight playoff appearance. Soon after, he featured on ESPN’s pre- and post-game coverage of the Western Conference Finals.

In 12 seasons as an NBA head coach with the Sacramento Kings and Nuggets, Malone logged a .564 regular season win percentage, reached the playoffs six times, and held a 44-36 record in the postseason.

Malone was born in Queens, New York and previously served as an assistant coach and scout for the Knicks between 2003 and 2005.

Mike Budenholzer

Mike Budenholzer is another recent NBA champion head coach who could land in New York, having been let go of his previous position with the Phoenix Suns.

‘Bud’ helped lead the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship back in 2021 and later coached the Suns in the 2024/25 season, lasting just one season, with Phoenix finishing 36-46 and missing the playoffs despite having the highest payroll in the NBA with Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.

Budenholzer got his start in the NBA working as a video coordinator under San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich in the 1994/95 season. Two seasons later, Popovich, the all-time wins leader in NBA history, hired Budenholzer as an assistant. He won four NBA titles as a member of the Spurs coaching staff between 1996 and 2013.

Taylor Jenkins

Another successful NBA head coach to be relieved of his duties this season, former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins is a potential fit in New York as he seeks a return to an NBA sideline.

Jenkins was let go by Memphis with nine games remaining in the 2024/25 season while the Grizzlies battled for playoff seeding in a stacked Western Conference. In six seasons as Memphis’ head coach, Jenkins went 250-214, leading the team to three playoff appearances and a 9-14 record in the postseason.

Prior to his first head coaching job with the Grizzlies, Jenkins served as an assistant with the Atlanta Hawks (2013-18) and Milwaukee Bucks (2018-19).