The off-season started early for the New York Knicks and they are not wasting any time. Even though they will try to pursue Carmelo Anthony in costless agency, the Knicks need a new head coach. The Knicks fired Mike Woodson just about a week ago. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Knicks intend to complete the hiring of Kerr by early next month. That is when the first round of the playoffs is over.
Sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday that the intention of new Knicks president Phil Jackson is try to secure Kerr as his first coaching hire by early next month, which would theoretically soften the blow for the announcer's current employer to withstand losing its No. 1 analyst in the midst of the playoffs.
There are some sources that Phil Jackson has made progress in trying to persuade Kerr to coach the Knicks without any prior coaching experience at all. Kerr played under Phil Jackson with the Chicago Bulls from 1993-98, winning three championships as a player with Jackson and the Bulls.Kerr was also the general manager of the Phoenix Suns from 2007-10.
More than likely, this would be a good hire for the Knicks, the reason being that Kerr can try and implement a little of the triangle offense in his coaching system. Phil Jackson can teach him a little about his successful coaching. This may or not cause Carmelo to return as a Knick or not.
