Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: Ranking the greatest coaches in franchise history

By Maxwell Ogden

May 11, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy during game four of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; ESPN broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy during game four of the second round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 8
Next
Jan 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino celebrates a victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion. Louisville defeated Georgia Tech 75-71. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino celebrates a victory against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at McCamish Pavilion. Louisville defeated Georgia Tech 75-71. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Rick Pitino

Tenure: 1987-1989
Regular Season Record: 90-74 (.549)
Postseason Record: 6-7 (.462)
Accolades: 1989 Division Title

Rick Pitino only spent two years as the head coach of the New York Knicks, but he’s one of the most influential figures in franchise history. He set the stage for the team that New York became in the 1990s, and took the Knicks to success previously unachieved since the 1970s.

Pitino achieved enough during his brief tenure to safely earn his place as one of the Top 5 coaches in franchise history.

Prior to Pitino’s arrival, the Knicks had won 24 or fewer games in three consecutive seasons. Not even the arrival of Patrick Ewing could save New York from its dreadful play, as it lacked cohesion and any form of a true identity.

During his first season with the team, Pitino took the Knicks all the way back into the playoffs.

During the 1988-89 season, Pitino led New York to 52 wins—its highest win total since 1972-73. The Knicks won the division title for the first time since 1970-71, won a playoff series for the first time since 1984, and effectively found its identity as a team.

Two of the other coaches ranked higher on this list turned the foundation Pitino laid into a decade to remember.

Next: Iconic Finals Run