The New York Knicks have officially named Mike Brown as their new head coach, signing him to a four-year, $40 million deal, according to Ian Begley of SNY TV. ESPN’s Shams Charania was the first to report on Wednesday that the Knicks had zeroed in on Brown as the replacement for Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed last month.
Brown brings a wealth of coaching experience and a strong track record of turning teams around. Most recently, he led the Sacramento Kings to the playoffs in 2023, ending a 16-year postseason drought. That historic turnaround earned him the NBA’s Coach of the Year honors. However, his time in Sacramento came to an abrupt end when the Kings let him go in December 2024.
The Knicks still owe former coach Tom Thibodeau roughly $30 million after terminating his contract early. Despite that hefty financial obligation, the franchise is betting big on Brown to elevate them back into serious playoff contention.
Brown’s coaching resume spans over two decades. He previously served as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers—guiding a young LeBron James to the NBA Finals in 2007—and later led the Los Angeles Lakers during a transitional post-Kobe Bryant era. He also served as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors, where he contributed to multiple championship runs under Steve Kerr.
Internationally, Brown took on the role of head coach for Nigeria’s national basketball team in 2020, helping to develop the program and put African basketball talent on a global stage.
Now with the Knicks, Brown inherits a roster rich in talent but in need of direction. His defensive acumen, leadership, and proven ability to create winning cultures could be exactly what Madison Square Garden has been waiting for. Knicks fans are hopeful that Brown can bring consistency—and perhaps a deep playoff run—back to New York.
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