The XXL contract of the new Knicks coach
Dec 21, 2024; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown calls for a foul during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
Mike Brown becomes the new head coach of the New York Knicks. The former Kings coach signs a four-year contract worth $40 million following Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal.
The New York Knicks have officially named Mike Brown as their new head coach, ending an extensive search following Tom Thibodeau’s firing. This decision marks a major turning point for the New York franchise as they look to take another step forward.
Welcome, Coach Mike Brown! pic.twitter.com/UC8tigtjzi
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 7, 2025
An experienced coach with an impressive track record
Mike Brown, 55, brings considerable experience to the Knicks with a record of 454 wins to 304 losses as head coach. A two-time NBA Coach of the Year winner, he earned this distinction in 2009 with Cleveland and in 2023 with Sacramento.
« After a thorough and extensive search process, we are pleased to announce Mike Brown as head coach of the New York Knicks, » said Leon Rose, Knicks president. « Mike has coached on our sport’s biggest stages and brings a championship pedigree to our organization. »
His impressive career includes a 2007 NBA Finals appearance with Cleveland, where he coached LeBron James, as well as four championship titles as an assistant at Golden State and San Antonio under Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich. Brown has also had the opportunity to coach superstars like Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and De’Aaron Fox.
A costly contract in a complex financial context
According to reports, Brown signed a four-year contract worth $40 million. This signing comes as the Knicks still owe $30 million to Tom Thibodeau following his dismissal, bringing the franchise’s total commitment for coaching positions to approximately $70 million over the next four years.
Former NBA guard Derrick Rose commented on Thibodeau’s situation: « You can’t be angry when you’re walking away with $30 million. You can’t feel too sorry for him. But he’s in good spirits. »
Brown arrives in New York in an ideal situation, inheriting a team that reached the Eastern Conference semifinals last season for the first time in 25 years. The Knicks haven’t reached the NBA Finals since 1999 and haven’t won a title since 1973, making this appointment crucial for the franchise’s future.
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