NBA: New York Knicks to hire Mike Brown as head coach to replace Tom Thibodeau
Last season's Eastern Conference Finalists finally look to have a new leader in the locker room.
After a month-long coaching search, the New York Knicks are reportedly set to appoint Mike Brown as their new head coach.
The former Sacramento Kings and Cleveland Cavaliers coach has been in the running for several weeks and was the only candidate to receive a second interview.
Brown’s strong candidacy was boosted not only by his coaching résumé but also by his connections within the Knicks’ leadership structure.
He shares a long-standing relationship with executive William “Worldwide Wes” Wesley, dating back to Brown’s time coaching LeBron James in Cleveland when Wesley acted as an advisor to the star. Wesley is currently the top lieutenant to Knicks president Leon Rose.
A two-time NBA Coach of the Year, Brown has logged more than a decade of head coaching experience across three NBA franchises: the Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Kings.
Notably, he led Cleveland to the Eastern Conference Finals during LeBron’s early years and was instrumental in snapping the Sacramento Kings’ 16-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
While Brown brings a proven track record and stability to the role, his hiring might not generate the same buzz as his predecessor, Tom Thibodeau.
Under Thibodeau, the Knicks saw a significant turnaround, making the playoffs in four of his five seasons, a marked improvement after just four appearances in the previous two decades.
Thibodeau also built a strong rapport with the locker room, particularly with All-Star guard Jalen Brunson. This past season, he led New York to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, cementing his legacy with the franchise.
Despite his accomplishments, there was growing sentiment within the Knicks’ front office – and among sections of the fanbase – that Thibodeau had taken the current roster as far as he could. The decision to move on was driven by a belief that a new voice was needed to elevate the team into true championship contention.
Now, with Mike Brown on the verge of officially taking over, the Knicks are betting that his experience, connections, and fresh perspective can be the final push the team needs to reach the NBA Finals for the first time in decades.