The New York Knicks on Tuesday officially introduced Mike Brown as their new head coach, Afrosport reports.
Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, was appointed by the Knicks on Monday, replacing Tom Thibodeau, who was sacked last month after they lost to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
The 55-year-old, who formerly coached Nigeria’s D’Tigers, becomes the 32nd head coach in the Knicks’ history. Addressing New York fans on Tuesday, he expressed his excitement about taking over the team and acknowledged the enormity of the franchise.
“You talk about a historic franchise. Madison Square Garden. It’s iconic. Our fans, they’re the most knowledgable and passionate in all of sports,” Brown said.
“There’s a lot of work to be done. We have an outstanding roster, what they did in the playoffs shows their potential. I’ve had great conversations with all of our players and I’m looking forward to growing positive relationships with them over time.
“Nobody has any bigger expectations than I do. My expectations are high. This is the Knicks. I love and embrace the expectations that come along with it. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
it’s official ✍️ pic.twitter.com/y3IjkrqJuW
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 8, 2025
Brown also paid tribute to Thibodeau’s service to the organisation and expressed his satisfaction with the Knicks’ business in free agency, following the signings of guard Jordan Clarkson and centre Guerschon Yabusele.
“I thought Tom Thibodeau did a great job, and the guys did a fantastic job last year,” he added. “But I’m looking forward.
“We just added two new additions to the team. They’re going to bring a lot of versatility to how we’re going to play. I can’t wait to get on the court.”
Brown led the Sacramento Kings to their first play-off appearance in 16 seasons in 2023, winning Coach of the Year honours, but was dismissed by the franchise last December after a 13–18 start to the 2024–25 season.
He holds a 454–304 win–loss record as a head coach across his career, having previously managed the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Kings.
The Knicks were the third seed in the East last season with a 51–31 record. They eliminated the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics in the play-offs to secure their first Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, but eventually fell to the Pacers.
They have not won an NBA Championship since 1973 and have yet to reach the NBA Finals since 1999.
