The New York Knicks have found their new leader on the sidelines. Two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown is expected to become the Knicks’ next head coach, sources tell ESPN and Shams Charania, ending a month-long search by team president Leon Rose that spanned multiple interviews, rejections, and second-round meetings.
Brown replaces Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed after a disappointing playoff exit. The hiring signals a bold new chapter for the Knicks — one that blends championship experience with offensive innovation.
A championship pedigree comes to MSG
Mike Brown’s résumé is as decorated as they come. He’s a four-time NBA champion as a top assistant. He has won titles with both the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs under Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich. He’s also coached superstars across generations — from LeBron James to De’Aaron Fox.
In his most recent head coaching role, Brown led the Sacramento Kings to the NBA’s top-ranked offense in 2022-23. They snapped the league’s longest playoff drought, and he won Coach of the Year honors for the second time in his career.
Why the Knicks chose Mike Brown
Leon Rose and the Knicks front office requested permission to speak with five current NBA head coaches. And were denied in every case. From there, they turned their attention to available coaches. So they conducted a rigorous, multi-stage interview process that eventually landed on Brown.
His hiring marks a stylistic shift from Thibodeau’s defensive-first approach. Brown’s recent success with pace, spacing, and ball movement could be exactly what Jalen Brunson and a young Knicks core need to take the next step in the Eastern Conference.
What comes next for the Knicks?
Brown will take over a roster that has shown promise but needs more offensive firepower and playoff consistency. His ability to connect with stars and adapt schemes to modern NBA offenses could position the Knicks for a deeper postseason run in 2026. And potentially attract marquee free agents.
As the Knicks look to build on back-to-back playoff appearances, fans at Madison Square Garden may finally get a taste of sustainable, elite-level basketball under the lights of Broadway.