According to multiple league sources, the Knicks have been informing prospective free agents that they are close to finalizing a deal with Mike Brown, pending final approval from team owner James Dolan.

Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, was the first candidate to receive a second interview with the Knicks—an indication of his favored status in the process. The second interview, which reportedly included Dolan, took place this week and is seen as a crucial step toward making the hire official.

Brown’s candidacy stands out in a field that also included former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, New Orleans Pelicans assistant James Borrego, and Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, all of whom have been interviewed by the Knicks in recent weeks.

Brown’s Track Record and Fit in New York

Mike Brown brings a wealth of experience to the table, having compiled a 455-304 record as a head coach in the NBA, with playoff appearances in seven of his nine full seasons.

He is best known for leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007 and for his recent success in Sacramento, where he helped snap the Kings’ 17-year playoff drought and was unanimously named NBA Coach of the Year in 2023. Brown’s tenure with the Kings ended in December 2024, but his reputation as a defensive-minded coach and culture builder remains strong.

The Knicks’ coaching search began after the team parted ways with Thibodeau following their run to the Eastern Conference Finals—their first appearance at that stage since 2000. Brown’s defensive philosophy and ability to foster team identity are seen as a natural continuation of Thibodeau’s work, with the added benefit of Brown’s recent experience turning around a young roster in Sacramento.

While the Knicks explored a range of candidates—including reaching out to several sitting head coaches around the league, such as Ime Udoka, Jason Kidd, Chris Finch, and Billy Donovan, all of whom were denied permission to interview—they have now focused their efforts on Brown. Sources indicate that the only remaining hurdle is Dolan’s formal endorsement, which could come as soon as this week.

If finalized, Brown will be tasked with building on the Knicks’ recent momentum and leading the franchise on another deep playoff run. His hiring would mark the end of a month-long search and signal New York’s commitment to stability and defensive excellence as they look to contend in the Eastern Conference once again.