Ex-D’Tigers Coach Mike Brown Appointed New York Knicks Head Coach
Former Nigerian national basketball team coach, Mike Brown, has been appointed as the new head coach of the New York Knicks, one of the biggest teams in the NBA Eastern Conference.
The 55-year-old American signed a four-year contract worth $40 million, becoming the 32nd head coach in the history of the Knicks. He got the job after the team interviewed several high-profile candidates, including Taylor Jenkins, Micah Nori, James Borrego, and NCAA women’s basketball legend Dawn Staley.
Brown, who was recently fired by the Sacramento Kings, said he was excited to take on this new role. Speaking at a press conference at the Knicks’ training facility in Tarrytown, he shared his vision for the team.
“Nobody has bigger expectations than I do. My expectations are high. This is the Knicks,” Brown said. “Madison Square Garden is iconic. I’m looking forward to it.”
He also added that his goal is to build a strong and winning culture within the team—one that leads to NBA championships.
“That’s why I’m here. I’ve spoken with all our players, and I’m looking forward to building positive relationships. We’ve also started putting together the coaching staff, which will take time,” he said.
Mike Brown is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year—first with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009 and then with the Sacramento Kings in 2023. He also won four NBA championships as an assistant coach—once with the San Antonio Spurs (2003) and three times with the Golden State Warriors (2017, 2018, 2022).
With Brown’s arrival, the Knicks hope to end their 52-year wait for an NBA title and become serious contenders for the NBA Finals. The team fired their former coach, Tom Thibodeau, after losing 4-2 to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Brown’s experience, leadership, and fresh energy are expected to give the Knicks a strong new direction as they prepare for the next NBA season.
