New York Knicks Appoint Mike Brown as Head Coach After Tom Thibodeau’s Dismissal

About a month after the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau, who led the New York Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, the organization has reportedly chosen Mike Brown as their next head coach, according to a report by Shams Charania and ESPN.

Brown, who was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2023, led the Sacramento Kings to their first playoff appearance in 17 years. It was the second time he earned the prestigious award, having also won it in 2009 while coaching the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he guided the team to a franchise-record 66 wins.

During his time in Cleveland, Brown reached the NBA Finals in 2007, though he fell short of a championship as a head coach. However, he has collected four titles as an assistant — one with the San Antonio Spurs and three with the Golden State Warriors.

Brown later replaced Phil Jackson as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2011. His first season ended with a second-round playoff exit, and his second season was cut short after just five games in November 2012 when he was dismissed following a poor start — making him one of the fastest-fired coaches in league history.

With his extensive experience and proven success across multiple franchises, the Knicks hope Brown can build upon last season’s deep playoff run and establish New York as a consistent contender in the East once again.