The New York Knicks intend for interim head coach Mike Miller to finish the season in the position, in the wake of David Fizdale's firing from his post 22 games into the season. Though if the Knicks continue to lose at this caustic rate, there is a shortlist of potential in-season candidates, including Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Tom Thibodeau, should the organization need to make another move, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Van Gundy coached the Knicks from 1996-2001 and could find himself free after finishing a short-lived term as Team USA's qualifying team head coach, tasked with getting USA Basketball to the World Cup stage. USAB has since hired longtime coach and fellow analyst Mike Fratello to take the torch, freeing up Van Gundy for an NBA job, should the Knicks come calling.
Jackson, Van Gundy's broadcast partner and a former Knicks point guard, has been at the tip of the tongue of every New Yorker well before Fizdale was fired from his spot. The longtime floor general and charismatic color commentator had a three-year stint as coach of the Golden State Warriors from 2011-14.
The Brooklynite is a popular name and has been for a few years, though he's turned down several potential offers to take an NBA helm again.
Thibodeau was fired from the Minnesota Timberwolves last season and has made radio and TV appearances since, waiting for his chance to get back in the league. The Knicks are very young and largely inexperienced, making him the least likely option of the three.
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