After firing their most successful coach in decades, the Knicks are searching for a new leader for the 2025-26 season. Parting ways with Tom Thibodeau following New York's first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years was a controversial decision,

The Knicks made that decision after they lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, their longest playoff run in 25 years. The next Knicks coach, whoever it is, will be expected to help take the team further, especially after the front office went all-in last offseason with trades for Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.

There will be no shortage of candidates. Colleague Sam Quinn made the case for seven candidates that could be in the running, starting with recently fired Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone. But the Knicks may also have some interest in coaches who are already employed with other teams, and I'm not talking about assistants.