The New York Knicks are actively engaged in a head coaching search following their surprising decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau. Thibodeau, the franchise's fourth-winningest coach, recently led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference finals appearance since the year 2000, where they were ultimately eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games. The organization is now focused on identifying a successor to helm the team.

A prominent name in the Knicks' search is current Dallas Mavericks head coach, Jason Kidd. According to reports, the Knicks are actively vetting Kidd and have, or will "within the next few days," officially request permission from the Mavericks to speak with him. Kidd has a notable history, having played his final NBA season with the Knicks during the 2012-2013 campaign and previously interviewing for their head coaching position in 2020, a role that eventually went to Thibodeau.

Kidd brings a significant coaching resume, including head coaching stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks, and an assistant coaching role with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2019-2021, where he was part of a championship-winning staff. As the head coach of the Mavericks, he led the team to the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and the NBA Finals in 2024. However, acquiring Kidd presents challenges. He is currently under contract with Dallas, and it's reportedly unlikely the Mavericks will part with him easily, especially given that he is said to be "happy in his current role." The Knicks would either need formal permission for an interview or potentially explore a trade, though their draft capital was significantly used to acquire forward Mikal Bridges.

While Kidd appears to be a primary target, the Knicks are also considering other qualified individuals to replace Thibodeau, who made a lasting impact during his tenure in New York. The search extends to several respected coaches with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

One such candidate is Micah Nori, currently an assistant coach with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Nori has gained recognition for his engaging halftime interviews and timeout huddles, but beyond his public persona, he is one of the most respected assistant coaches in the NBA. He garnered 17% of the vote in NBA.com’s 2024–25 GM Survey for top assistant coaches likely to become head coaches. With over 15 years of coaching experience, Nori is highly regarded for his leadership, basketball intelligence, and strong connection with players. This opportunity in New York could be his significant step into a head coaching role.

Taylor Jenkins, who was unexpectedly let go by the Memphis Grizzlies just 11 games before the 2025 playoffs, is another name on the Knicks' radar. Despite his departure, Jenkins is the winningest coach in Grizzlies franchise history, with a 250–214 career record and the most games coached for the team. His time in Memphis was complicated by key injuries and Ja Morant’s suspensions, which affected long-term success. While his playoff résumé includes only one second-round appearance in four seasons, Jenkins has a strong track record of player development. This could be particularly appealing to the Knicks, who have young prospects such as Tyler Kolek and Ariel Hukporti on their roster.

Frank Vogel stands out as a candidate with a championship pedigree, having led the Los Angeles Lakers to the 2020 NBA title. Currently a consultant under Jason Kidd in Dallas, Vogel is considered a top candidate for any franchise seeking to advance. He brings two decades of NBA coaching experience, including twelve years as a head coach. While his previous departures from the Lakers and Phoenix Suns were reportedly linked to questions about locker room control, the distinct culture of the Knicks—which emphasizes accountability, selflessness, and unity—might prove to be a more suitable environment compared to the star-driven dynamics of his past teams.

The New York Knicks are not merely searching for a new voice; their ambition is to find a leader capable of guiding them back to the NBA Finals. Among the candidates, Vogel's experience in reaching and winning at that level is a significant factor, potentially making him a strong contender for the job. The overarching goal is to secure a coach who can build on the recent successes and elevate the team to championship contention.