Madison Square Garden’s Next Maestro: Who Will Lead the Knicks? Here Are The Rumors

In a move that surprised many, the New York Knicks dismissed head coach Tom Thibodeau on June 3, 2025, despite his instrumental role in leading the team to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. This decision underscores the organization’s unwavering commitment to securing an NBA championship.

As the Knicks embark on their search for a new head coach, several prominent names have surfaced:

• Michael Malone: Former Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone has been suggested by analysts like Kendrick Perkins as a suitable replacement. However, fan reactions on social media have been mixed, with some questioning his fit for the Knicks’ culture.

  
  

• Dan Hurley: The UConn head coach, fresh off consecutive NCAA championships, is considered a potential candidate. Hurley’s coaching journey began at Wagner College in Staten Island, where he significantly improved the program’s performance. Despite his Northeast roots and coaching pedigree, reports indicate that Hurley values the stability and control he currently enjoys at UConn, making a transition to the NBA less likely.

  
  

• Jay Wright: The former Villanova coach, who led the Wildcats to national titles in 2016 and 2018, has been linked to the Knicks. However, Wright has expressed contentment with his current role as a CBS analyst and has shown no serious interest in returning to coaching.

  
  

• John Calipari: The Kentucky coach’s name has been floated, partly due to his history with Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns. Calipari coached Towns during Kentucky’s 2014–15 season, leading the team to a 38–1 record and a Final Four appearance. Their established rapport could be a factor in considering Calipari for the Knicks’ vacancy.

In addition to these top candidates, some nostalgic and fan-favorite names have emerged:

• Jeff Van Gundy: The former Knicks coach and current Los Angeles Clippers assistant has been endorsed by former players like Mark Jackson, who believe it’s time for his return to the sidelines.

  
  

• Mark Jackson: The former Golden State Warriors coach and ESPN analyst has received support from NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal, who advocate for his leadership and experience.

  
  

• Stan Van Gundy: While not directly linked to the Knicks’ vacancy, his name has been mentioned in discussions, though there’s no indication of mutual interest.

Social media has been abuzz with reactions to Thibodeau’s firing and speculation about his successor. Actor Ben Stiller expressed gratitude for Thibodeau’s contributions, stating, “We should all take him out to dinner and thank him profusely.” Fans have taken to platforms like X and Reddit to voice their opinions, with some advocating for a return to familiar faces and others calling for fresh leadership.

As the Knicks navigate this pivotal decision, the choice of head coach will not only shape the team’s on-court strategy but also influence ticket sales and fan engagement at Madison Square Garden. The anticipation builds as the franchise seeks a leader capable of guiding the team to its first championship since 1973.

Four other rumored possibilities for the Knicks’ next coach include former Suns coach Monty Williams, Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson, Celtics assistant Charles Lee, and current Las Vegas Aces coach and former Spurs assistant — Becky Hammon. She’s widely respected across the league, has championship pedigree, and would be a groundbreaking hire. Alongside Monty Williams, Kenny Atkinson, and Charles Lee, she rounds out an intriguing mix of possibilities.