NBA Rumors: New York Knicks Could Bring Back Head Coach That Led Team To Playoffs

The New York Knicks have gone through seven interim and full-time head coaches over the last decade. As the team looks to fill the position for the 2020-2021 NBA season, there’s at least a chance one of those men will return to the team’s bench.

Sources have told SNY’s Ian Begley that Mike Woodson will be interviewed for New York’s open position. Woodson had a 109-79 record as the Knicks head coach from 2012-2014.

In addition to Tom Thibodeau, Kenny Atkinson & interim HC Mike Miller, the Knicks are planning to interview former head coach Mike Woodson for their vacancy, per SNY sources. Woodson won 54 games with NYK in 2012-13 and won a playoff series that season, their only one since 2000
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 4, 2020

Woodson became New York’s head coach for the final 24 games of the 2011-2012 season when Mike D’Antoni resigned. The Knicks finished the year with an 18-6 record, allowing Woodson to keep the position for the following season.

The 2012-2013 season was the Knicks’ best season of the last two decades. Woodson led the Knicks to a 54-28 record, which was good enough for the No.2 seed in the East. New York defeated the Boston Celtics in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the Indiana Pacers in six games in the conference semifinals.

It is the only time since 2000 that the Knicks have won a playoff series.

The Knicks had a disappointing 2013-2014 campaign, going 37-45 and missing the playoffs. Woodson was fired and replaced with Derek Fisher.

Woodson went 206-286 as the Atlanta Hawks coach from 2004-2010. He made three playoff appearances and won two postseason series in Atlanta.

New York fired David Fizdale earlier this season after a 4-18 start. Fizdale went 21-83 during his tenure in New York.

The Knicks went 17-27 under interim coach Mike Miller before the season was suspended. He’s under consideration to get the job permanently, though he isn’t among the favorites.

Tom Thibodeau might have the best chance of getting the job. Former Brooklyn Nets Kenny Atkinson head coach is a serious contender.

There has been speculation that the Knicks could try to rehire Jeff Van Gundy. Former Knicks point guard Mark Jackson is also a possible candidate.

The Knicks aren’t expected to play in Orlando, Florida when the 2019-2020 NBA season resumes.