Phil Jackson made his first major move as the new president of the New York Knicks recently by firing head coach Mike Woodson and his entire coaching staff. The move sent a message that Jackson is dedicated to making changes and won’t have owner James Dolan standing in his way of doing so.
Apparently, Jackson was given a push by fiance Jeanie Buss, president of the Los Angeles Lakers, to take over the head coaching responsibilities for the Knicks according to Alex Kennedy of BasketballInsiders.com:
Phil Jackson told reporters that Jeanie Buss has tried to convince him to coach the New York Knicks, but he has resisted.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) April 23, 2014
Jackson admitted that if anyone could change his mind in terms of returning to coaching it would be Jeanie via Kennedy:
Phil: "If there's anyone that can convince me to do anything, it's Jeanie Buss. But I was able to withstand her arguments."
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) April 23, 2014
With Jackson unwilling to return to coaching and Woodson sent packing, the search continues for a new head coach of the Knicks. Plenty of potential candidates have started to get mentioned from Jackson’s former coaching staff like Jim Cleamons and Kurt Rambis, but the leading candidate appears to be Steve Kerr.
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Even five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher has been mentioned as someone Jackson might reach out to in the off-season. Fisher is currently with the Oklahoma City Thunder and hoping to win a sixth title before calling it a career.
Needless to say, Jackson will not be returning to the sidelines anytime soon. Jackson will continue to call the shots in New York while attempting to change the culture with the right man leading the way as the new head coach of the Knicks.
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Lakers News: Jeanie Buss Talks Her Role And Phil Jackson On ESPN Radio
