The New York Knicks have offered their head coaching job to Mike Brown and are working to finalize a deal with the two-time NBA Coach of the Year, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Brown, who most recently coached the Sacramento Kings, had his second interview with the Knicks on Tuesday.
His hiring would mark a swift return to the sidelines after being dismissed mid-season by Sacramento, despite earning Coach of the Year honors in 2023 for ending the Kings’ 17-year playoff drought.
BREAKING: The New York Knicks are expected to land on two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown as the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/LOXb74LFe4
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025
He would replace Tom Thibodeau, who was unexpectedly fired last month despite guiding the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years. The Knicks believe their current roster can contend for something more – an NBA title and are betting on Brown’s leadership to take them to the next level.
Brown received his first coaching award when he coached the Cleveland Cavaliers, as he led them to the NBA Finals in 2007 during his first stint. Brown also won four championships as an assistant coach, three with the Golden State Warriors and one under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio Spurs.