The New York Knicks interviewed Mark Jackson for the vacancy at head coach. Jackson’s candidacy, however, hasn’t gained much traction.
The New York Knicks have interviewed 10 candidates for the vacancy at head coach. The number could be higher, but even if the figure that’s known to the general public is lower than the actual amount, it’s still a sign of how thorough the search has been for the next sideline general.
One of the most prominent names to surface as a candidate for the position, however, may not actually be in the running for the job.
Knicks fans were inevitably excited when Mark Jackson surfaced on the radar as a potential replacement for Jeff Hornacek. The excitement has been tempered in recent weeks, but a belief still exists that Jackson can solidify the defense.
According to Marc Berman of The New York Post, the Knicks don’t appear to view Jackson as a truly viable candidate for the position.
"Surprisingly, Mark Jackson’s candidacy hasn’t gained much traction. It’s noteworthy no other club with a vacancy interviewed Jackson, whose Golden State axing in 2014 left a sourness.It is believed one concern is the coaching staff Jackson might construct. Jackson has been out of the coaching loop four years and warred with two of his Warriors assistants, Brian Scalabrine and Darren Erman, now flourishing as defensive coordinator in New Orleans."
There are many Knicks fans who believe Jackson should be hired as head coach, but the front office doesn’t appear to share the sentiment.
Jackson was drafted by the Knicks in 1987, and ultimately played six seasons in the orange and blue. The 1988 Rookie of the Year represents a better time in franchise history, when the organization was relevant in the contending realm instead of striving for a mere postseason appearance.
Jackson also experienced success as head coach of the Golden State Warriors, compiling a record of 121-109 (.526) in three seasons at the helm.
Despite ending the Warriors’ five-year postseason drought and leading the franchise to its highest win total since 1991-92, however, Jackson was replaced by Steve Kerr in 2013-14.
Many theories and rumors have been floated around the NBA in the years since Jackson’s dismissal. It appears as though the Knicks’ concern isn’t based on Jackson’s debatable offensive philosophies, but his rumored inability to trust his assistant coaches.
As the organization looks for a head coach who can maintain open lines of communication with their staff and the front office, Jackson at least presents question marks.
Must Read: Pros and cons of hiring Mark Jackson
The question is: Will the New York Knicks overlook the concerns and still hire Mark Jackson to be the next head coach?