### Knicks' Coaching Search: A Shift in Strategy After Initial Rejections The New York Knicks are actively seeking a new head coach following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau after their Eastern Conference Finals exit. Initially, the team pursued several high-profile coaches under contract, including Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, but faced multiple rejections. As a result, the Knicks are now focusing on interviewing two recently fired coaches: Mike Brown, formerly of the Sacramento Kings, and Taylor Jenkins, who was with the Memphis Grizzlies. This marks a significant pivot in their coaching search strategy as they aim to fill the vacancy left by Thibodeau [https://www.abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/fdef3ccb/knicks-might-circle-back-to-two-employed-head-coaches-despite-earlier-rejections][https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/knicks_reportedly_have_first_head_coaching_interviews_lined_up/s1_13132_42325909]. ### Breakdown of the Knicks' Coaching Search Strategy 1. **Initial Pursuit of High-Profile Coaches** - The Knicks attempted to engage with coaches under contract, notably Jason Kidd, but were met with refusals [https://www.nypost.com/2025/06/10/sports/why-trading-for-new-coach-isnt-reliable-knicks-recipe]. 2. **Shift to Available Coaches** - Following the rejections, the Knicks are now focusing on Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins, both of whom are available after being let go by their respective teams [https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2025/6/10/24446712/knicks-jason-kidd-head-coach-rumors-dallas-mavericks-trade][https://www.nbcsports.com/nba/news/knicks-reportedly-focus-search-for-new-coach-on-available-coaches-such-as-mike-brown-taylor-jenkins]. 3. **Upcoming Interviews** - The Knicks have scheduled interviews with Brown and Jenkins for the upcoming week, marking the first formal steps in their revised coaching search [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/report_knicks_focused_on_mike_brown_taylor_jenkins_in_coaching_search/s1_17038_42318941]. ### Supporting Evidence of Coaching Candidates - **Mike Brown** - Previous Experience: 11 years as a head coach with notable success, including leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007. He was most recently with the Sacramento Kings [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/knicks_reportedly_have_first_head-coaching_interviews_lined_up/s1_13132_42325909]. - **Taylor Jenkins** - Previous Experience: Coached the Memphis Grizzlies for six seasons, achieving a record of 250-214 and three playoff appearances. He was dismissed despite a strong season [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/report_knicks_focused_on_mike_brown_taylor_jenkins_in_coaching_search/s1_17038_42318941]. ### Conclusion: Knicks' Coaching Search Takes a New Direction In summary, the New York Knicks are recalibrating their coaching search strategy after facing multiple rejections from high-profile candidates. They are now focusing on interviewing Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins, both of whom are available and have significant coaching experience. This shift indicates a more pragmatic approach as the Knicks aim to secure a head coach who can lead them back to playoff contention. 1. **Initial Rejections**: The Knicks faced multiple refusals from contracted coaches [https://www.nypost.com/2025/06/10/sports/why-trading-for-new-coach-isnt-reliable-knicks-recipe]. 2. **Focus on Available Coaches**: The team is now targeting Brown and Jenkins, who are both free agents [https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2025/6/10/24446712/knicks-jason-kidd-head-coach-rumors-dallas-mavericks-trade]. 3. **Scheduled Interviews**: Interviews with both candidates are set for next week, marking a proactive step in the search [https://www.yardbarker.com/nba/articles/report_knicks_focused_on_mike_brown_taylor_jenkins_in_coaching_search/s1_17038_42318941].