Should New York Knicks coach Mike Woodson be fired, owner James Dolan reportedly already has a replacement: assistant general manager Allan Houston. Ex-Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy is also in contention for the job, according to the New York Post, but would likely come onboard after the season.
"...Allan Houston, supposedly the (general manager) in training, looms as a potential successor," Frank Isola of The Daily News wrote on Tuesday. "The word around Knicks camp is that Dolan wouldn't hesitate to promote him to head coach if the Knicks don't turn things around sooner than later."
Houston, a two-time NBA All-Star who played from 1996 to 2005 for the Knicks, has held his front office position since November 2008; he doesn't have any coaching experience.
Van Gundy, now an NBA broadcaster, is another possibility to replace Woodson, although it's unlikely to happen during the season.
"The Post has also learned that if Dolan eventually makes a move, old enemy and ex-Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy would not be ruled out as a future candidate - though such a hire seems more sensible in the offseason if Dolan goes with an interim coach," Marc Berman of The Post wrote on Monday.
Although Van Gundy had a falling out with Dolan, the pair reportedly mended their relationship and buried any ill will toward each other. If Van Gundy was interested in the job, he likely wouldn't comment on it until after the season out of deference to Woodson.
Woodson guided the team last season to 54 wins and the second round of the playoffs but has struggled this year with injuries and a questionable roster. The Knicks are sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 3-13 record.
New York plays Brooklyn on Thursday; another defeat would make it 10 straight losses for the Knicks.
