Mike Brown is officially in the fold, and not a minute too soon.
The Knicks announced the hiring of their new coach on Monday, ahead of Tuesday’s introductory press conference.
“Following a comprehensive and in-depth search process, we are thrilled to introduce Mike Brown as the New York Knicks’ head coach,” announced Knicks president Leon Rose in a statement. “Mike has coached on the sport’s most prominent stages and brings a championship-caliber background to our team. His experience leading during the NBA Finals, capturing four titles as an assistant coach, and his ability to cultivate and enhance players will greatly benefit us in our quest to secure a championship for New York and our supporters.”
The 55-year-old signed a four-year contract valued at $40 million, according to SNY, stepping into the position vacated by Tom Thibodeau’s unexpected dismissal after the Knicks failed to surpass the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals.
Brown, a two-time Coach of the Year, was fired midseason by the Kings — six months after Sacramento gave him a contract extension.
He soon emerged as a leading contender to replace Thibodeau, with the Knicks expressing interest in — but apparently unable to attract — current NBA coaches like Jason Kidd (Mavericks), Ime Udoka (Rockets), Billy Donovan (Bulls), among others.
“I would like to welcome Mike Brown to New York and the Knicks organization,” owner James Dolan said in a release. “Leon and our staff ran a thorough and thoughtful process that led our organization to Mike, and I’m pleased to see him on the sideline for us next season.”
The Knicks become the fourth team helmed by Brown in his two-plus decades on NBA staffs after stints with the Cavaliers, Lakers and Kings. He brings a 454-304 career mark, with a 50-40 postseason record.
Knicks brass apparently have faith he can better the 2005-06 Eastern Conference championship he captured with Cleveland before getting swept by the Spurs in the NBA Finals.
That’s further than Thibodeau was able to lead the Knicks in five years, despite bringing the team to the playoffs in four of his five seasons at the Garden.
