Imagine a historic shift: NCAA champion Dawn Staley almost became the first female head coach in NBA history with the New York Knicks! What went down in those crucial interviews, and why does she feel she “blew it”? Get the inside scoop on the Knicks’ coaching search and the groundbreaking path not taken.
The New York Knicks’ recent month-long search for a new head coach following Tom Thibodeau’s departure culminated in the hiring of Mike Brown, but not without a significant moment that could have rewritten NBA history.
Among the prominent figures considered for the highly coveted position was University of South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley, a name synonymous with collegiate success and groundbreaking achievements. Staley, a three-time NCAA champion and seven-time Final Four coach, represented a bold, albeit unprecedented, direction for the storied New York Knicks franchise.
During her interview process with the Knicks, Staley candidly addressed the monumental nature of her potential hiring, reportedly questioning, “How, if you hired me as the first female [head] coach in the NBA, would it impact your daily job? Because it would.” Despite her enthusiasm and readiness to accept the role, Staley expressed a belief that she ultimately “blew her chance” at securing the historic coaching gig.
Had the New York Knicks extended an offer to Dawn Staley, she would have shattered a significant barrier, becoming the first female head coach in NBA history. Such a groundbreaking appointment would have undoubtedly captivated the sports world, especially given the Knicks’ status as a championship contender with stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
While Staley’s resume in women’s collegiate basketball is undeniably stellar, her lack of professional coaching experience presented a substantial hurdle. The transition from NCAA women’s basketball to the highly competitive and physically demanding NBA landscape represents a significant leap in skill and strategic demands.
The Knicks’ leadership ultimately prioritized a coach with extensive professional experience, a factor that heavily favored Mike Brown. Brown’s proven track record, having coached across various eras of the league, aligned with the team’s strategic vision to leverage seasoned leadership in their pursuit of an NBA championship.
The franchise remains optimistic that Mike Brown’s wealth of experience will be instrumental in guiding the New York Knicks to their long-awaited title, despite the intriguing ‘what if’ scenario presented by Dawn Staley’s consideration.
