Anything involving New York sports has been taking a backseat in the last week after the New York Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau following its first Eastern Conference Finals berth in 25 years as the team searches for his replacement.
Despite local radio hosts and social media personalities suggesting that St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino return to the bench for the Knicks, he has said on multiple occasions that he does not want the job, yet he did recommend a St. John’s legend to be the next head coach of the organization.
“I obviously coached our rookie of the year, Mark Jackson. I believe he spent 18 years in the NBA as a player,” Pitino posted to X on Tuesday afternoon. “Great coach with the Warriors and one of the brightest minds I've coached. Would love to see the Knicks bring Mark Jackson home!!”
Jackson claimed the Rookie of the Year Award in 1988 under Pitino, who was in his first season as the head coach of the Knicks. The Brooklyn native shined during his four seasons at St. John’s, being a two-time selection to the First Team All-Big East as well as the Big East’s Defensive Player of the Year in 1987.
I obviously coached our rookie of the year, Mark Jackson. I believe he spent 18 years in the NBA as a player. Great coach with the Warriors and one of the brightest minds I've coached. Would love to see the Knicks bring Mark Jackson home!!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) June 11, 2025
After his playing career, Jackson became a television analyst for the NBA before getting into coaching in 2011. He spent three seasons as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors and has been credited with laying the foundation for its dynastic run.
Jackson was 121-109 as an NBA head coach, leading the Warriors to the playoffs twice and accumulating a 9-10 postseason record. However, he has not coached in the NBA since his dismissal in 2014.
Most recently, Jackson had been let go as the lead analyst for the NBA on ESPN in 2023 after budget cuts by the network. He has been rumored in several head coaching jobs but nothing serious has ever formulated.
It has been reported that the Knicks have been denied permission to talk to Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, and Hawks head coach Quin Snyder.
Many still believe that the Knicks covet Kidd the most for its coaching vacancy.