Phil Jackson is expected to run the show for the New York Knicks starting next season as reports indicated that the Hall of Fame coach is finalizing a deal that would give him full control of the Knicks' front office.
With Jackson's impending takeover in New York, sources indicated that Mike Woodson's days as Knicks coach is officially numbered as Jackson's first priority is to name a head coach of his choice.
According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, current TNT analyst Steve Kerr could e a strong candidate for the Knicks' head-coaching position once Jackson takes over.
"If - that's if - Phil Jackson runs the Knicks don't rule out the team's next coach being Steve Kerr. A current NBA coach says that Steve Kerr wants to coach and that he'll be really good. He's smart and he's a good leader," Isola posted on his Twitter account.
Jackson and Kerr developed a strong relationship during their days with the Chicago Bulls, and both of them have high respect to each other.
Kerr, who was instrumental in Jackson and the Bulls' title run from 1996-98, has no NBA coaching experience, but he managed to build a strong credibility during his tenure as Phoenix Suns general manager.
Mark Jackson, John Calipari Could Also Be Considered
But aside from Kerr, earlier reports indicated that the Knicks will also consider hiring current Golden State Warriors coach Mark Jackson or Kentucky Wildcats coach John Calipari.
According to Stephen Smith, Jackson would also be open in coaching the Knicks and will likely ask as a release from the Warriors if given an offer to coach his former team.
"I would rather have Tom Thibodeau or Mark Jackson - who would be interested in coming here and would be interested in bought out of his contract in Golden State," Smith said.
Calipari, on the other hand, is said to be on the Knicks' radar as well, but it is unknown how Phil Jackson's hiring will hurt his chances of coaching the Knicks.
Isola reported that Calipari is on top of general manager Steve Mills' list of coaching candidates, but Mills is expected to take a backseat once Phil Jackson assumes his role reportedly by the end of the week.
