Knicks interested in hiring former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau as next HC: Report

New York Knicks are reportedly considering a number of experienced coaches in ir search for a permanent head coach. Former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau is currently leading pack to be next head of Knicks, according to Athletic. Interim coach Mike Miller also remains in contention to get permanent job.

NBA rumours: Tom Thibodeau to become new Knicks head coach?

According to reports in US, Tom Thibodeau, 62, is top on list of targets to be new Knicks head coach. Tom Thibodeau, who worked as an assistant with  Knicks between 1996 and 2004, was last appointed by Minnesota Timberwolves. He spent three seasons in Minnesota before being fired in January 2019. Between 2010 and 2015, 62-year-old was at helm at Bulls, whom he led to Eastern Conference Finals in 2011.

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Under Tom Thibodeau, Bulls had  best record in Eastern Conference two years in a row in 2010-11 and 2011-12. He also helped Timberwolves reach playoffs for first time in 14 years in 2018. In eight seasons as head coach in NBA, Tom Thibodeau holds a 352-246 (win-loss) record. only factor that could go against Thibodeau is his poor playoffs record. His sides have generally struggled to get past first round, with only one Conference Finals appearance under his belt in five playoffs seasons.

Knicks head coach candidates

New York Knicks are reportedly planning to hire a new head coach within next few weeks. Interim coach Mike Miller, who took over from David Fizdale after a 4-18 start to season, is set to be interviewed for  full-time position. Per Athletic, Mike Miller left a "strong impression" on Knicks hierarchy and will be offered a role at franchise in some capacity if t head coach. He took charge of Knicks in December 2019 and led franchise to a 17-27 (win-loss) record.

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Ar consideration for position is former Brooklyn Nets head coach Kenny Atkinson. Atkinson will reportedly be interviewed by Knicks in coming weeks. 52-year-old took charge of  Knicks' city rivals in 2016 and led m to playoffs last season, where his side lost to Philadelphia 76ers in first round. He resigned from his position earlier this year after leading Nets to a 28-34 record.

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New President Leon Rose will look to make first big decision of his Knicks tenure. One of  most valuable franchises in NBA, Knicks have failed to impose mselves as contenders in Eastern Conference for past six seasons. Since losing to Pacers in playoffs in 2013, Knicks are yet to make playoffs, going six straight seasons with a losing record. A new Knicks head coach, refore, has taken priority for Leon Rose. 

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