The New York Knicks are reportedly exploring a historic coaching hire, having reached out to South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley regarding their head coaching vacancy. This outreach introduces the possibility of Staley becoming the first full-time female head coach in NBA history, a significant milestone for the league. While Staley is a prominent figure under consideration, the Knicks are also reportedly in second rounds of interviews with former NBA head coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins, with Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori also remaining in the mix.

Dawn Staley, 55, boasts an unparalleled career in basketball, both as a player and a coach. As a player, she was a six-time WNBA All-Star with the Charlotte Sting and Houston Comets. Her coaching career has been equally illustrious, leading the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s team since 2008. Under her guidance, the Gamecocks have made seven Final Four appearances and secured three national championships (in 2017, 2022, and 2024), including an impressive undefeated 38-0 season in 2024. Staley's individual accolades include four Naismith Coach of the Year Awards, and she has been inducted into both the Basketball Hall of Fame (2013) and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy.

The prospect of a female head coach in the NBA is a topic that has gained attention over the years, with prominent women like Becky Hammon serving as a Summer League head coach and acting head coach for one game, and Nancy Lieberman coaching in the then-NBA D-League. However, a full-time appointment has yet to occur. Staley herself has previously indicated that while she would not leave South Carolina for another college job, a professional opportunity would be "a whole different story," adding intrigue to the Knicks' apparent interest.

The rumors surrounding Staley's potential hiring quickly spread, even reaching social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Notably, Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns reacted to a joke about Staley's potential situation with a crying laughing emoji, sparking further speculation about the authenticity of the rumors and the team's internal discussions regarding former head coach Tom Thibodeau's replacement. While it remains unclear whether the Knicks are genuinely considering Staley for the role or if Staley would be open to departing South Carolina, she is clearly one of several candidates being evaluated by the team.

Public reaction to the possibility of Staley as head coach for the Knicks appears mixed. A poll conducted by RealGM showed that out of 18 votes, only 33% were interested in Dawn Staley as head coach, while 67% were not. Despite the differing opinions and the perceived unlikeliness of a "preferred candidate" being hired, the Knicks are actively exploring all available options to fill the significant position.