NEW YORK — The New York Knicks are betting on Mike Brown’s track record with championship-level teams, bringing him on board to lead a franchise determined to end a title drought that has lasted more than half a century.
Brown’s hiring was made official Monday, following his recent departure from the Sacramento Kings. The Knicks had extended the offer last week and finalized the agreement with the veteran coach, who brings both individual accolades and championship experience into the role. Terms of the contract remain undisclosed.
Brown replaces Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed despite guiding the Knicks to the Eastern Conference finals last season — their deepest playoff run in 25 years. The decision signals a clear shift in direction, with the organization opting for a coach with multiple Finals appearances and a reputation for player development.
“Mike has coached at the highest levels of our league,” said Knicks president Leon Rose in a statement. “He’s been part of championship-winning staffs, led teams to the NBA Finals, and has a strong background in developing talent. All of that makes him a great fit as we work to bring a title back to New York.”
Brown’s most recent head coaching stint saw him lead Sacramento to a 48-34 record and their first postseason appearance since 2006, earning him the league’s Coach of the Year award in 2023. He had previously won the same honor with the Cleveland Cavaliers, guiding them to the NBA Finals in 2007.
Before his head coaching days, Brown was part of championship-winning staffs in San Antonio (2003) and Golden State (2017, 2018, 2022). Notably, he went 12-0 as acting head coach during the Warriors’ 2017 playoff run while Steve Kerr dealt with health issues.
With an overall head coaching record of 454 wins and 304 losses across 11 seasons, Brown has achieved 45 or more wins in seven of those campaigns.
He inherits a Knicks squad that has been trending upward. New York notched back-to-back 50-win seasons and eliminated the 2024 champion Boston Celtics before falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the conference finals.
Looking ahead, the Knicks appear well-positioned to contend in the East. With Tyrese Haliburton expected to miss next season after suffering a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, and the Celtics entering a transitional phase following injuries and major trades, New York could emerge as a frontrunner.
The core lineup features All-NBA talents Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and the front office added depth on Monday by signing Jordan Clarkson, a proven high-scoring sixth man, along with forward Guerschon Yabusele, who last played for Philadelphia.
Thibodeau’s dismissal may partly stem from his hesitance to utilize his bench — a move that drew criticism even during playoff runs. Though he guided the team to four postseason appearances in five years, including three trips past the first round, the franchise ultimately wants more.
That “more” has eluded them since 1973, the last time they captured an NBA championship. Their only other title came in 1970, just weeks after Mike Brown was born.
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