Mike Brown is back in the spotlight. And this time, Broadway is the stage.
The New York Knicks are closing in on a deal to hire the two-time NBA Coach of the Year as their next head coach, according to senior NBA insider Shams Charania.
BREAKING: The New York Knicks are expected to land on two-time NBA Coach of the Year Mike Brown as the franchise's next head coach, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025
Brown is now in line to replace Tom Thibodeau, who was fired just days after the Knicks reached their first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years and posted a 51-win season.
[ALSO READ: Knicks part ways with Tom Thibodeau less than a week after first ECF trip in 25 years]
The 55-year-old brings a deep résumé that spans four previous head coaching jobs and seven playoff appearances.
Brown most recently led the Sacramento Kings, guiding them to their first playoff berth in 17 years and earning 2023 NBA Coach of the Year honors. But after a 13–18 start to the 2024–25 season, the Kings fired him in December—just six months after awarding him a three-year extension.
[ALSO READ: Mike Brown, Kings part ways after two years — reports]
He now returns to the big chair for the fifth time, taking on the NBA’s most scrutinized job with a Knicks franchise eyeing a long-awaited title run.
Brown holds a career record of 454–304 (.599), including a trip to the 2007 NBA Finals with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
His résumé also includes stops with the Los Angeles Lakers and two stints in Cleveland, plus assistant roles under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio and Steve Kerr in Golden State—where he won multiple titles and absorbed the Warriors’ offensive philosophy.
He joins a Knicks team led by All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson and All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, with a supporting cast that includes Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, and newly-signed former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson.
[ALSO READ: Jordan Clarkson to join New York Knicks after finalizing buyout with Utah Jazz—reports]
