New York Knicks president Phil Jackson is reportedly eying former Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson as a candidate for the Knicks' head coaching job. Other potential candidates include Derek Fisher, Luke Walton and Fred Hoiberg.
Steve Kerr's decision to accept the Warriors' coaching job has the Knicks widening their search. Mark Jackson, whom Golden State fired last week despite two straight playoff appearances, could soon be on the sidelines at Madison Square Garden.
Marc Berman of the New York Post reports Phil Jackson is willing to hire a coach who is unfamiliar with the triangle offense, which opens the door to Mark Jackson coaching in New York.
"Phil Jackson, according to an NBA source, is OK with hiring a head coach who doesn't specialize in the triangle," Berman wrote on Friday. "According to the source, that means Mark Jackson is on Jackson's tentative list that once included just one name."
New York is also interested in Fisher, according to reports from both ESPN and The Post. Fisher's familiarity with Phil Jackson's triangle offense makes him the new early favorite, but the veteran -- who's currently playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder -- told the Oklahoman last month that he planned to take a year off before considering a coaching or a front office job.
The Los Angeles Lakers are also said to be interested in Fisher, which could create competition for the Knicks.
Other names the Knicks are considering, according to ESPN, include Hoiberg, Walton, Kurt Rambis and Tyronn Lue.
Time seemingly is a factor for New York in hiring a new coach. Phil Jackson likely needs a coach in place before July 1, when Knicks star Carmelo Anthony can become a free agent. Who the Knicks' next coach is will likely be crucial to whether Anthony re-signs in New York.
