Knicks Reportedly Consider Dawn Staley for Head Coach Position

The New York Knicks are actively searching for a new head coach following the firing of Tom Thibodeau after their Eastern Conference Finals loss, with interest in several candidates including NBA veterans and the possibility of hiring South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley. Staley, a highly accomplished coach with three national championships and a Hall of Fame career, would become the NBA's first full-time female head coach if hired, a historic move for professional sports. Although Staley has expressed no clear desire to move to the NBA, the Knicks reportedly reached out to her while continuing interviews with candidates like Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins. Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns reacted with amusement to a viral fan meme imagining Staley's animated sideline response to his foul trouble, highlighting the lighthearted attention the rumors have drawn. The coaching search has faced challenges, with the Knicks denied permission to interview some current NBA head coaches. Despite the uncertainty, Staley's potential hiring has sparked significant intrigue among fans and players alike, marking a notable storyline ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.