Knicks Next Head Coach Odds: Michael Malone and Johnnie Bryant Lead Betting Favorites
The New York Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday afternoon despite a deep playoff run. Who will they get to replace him? Mike Malone leads in the early odds for the Next Knicks Head Coach, and Jason Radowitz breaks down the rest of the candidates.
Jason Radowitz - June 4, 2025, 1:22 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadKnicks Next Head Coach Odds: Michael Malone and Johnnie Bryant Lead Betting Favorites
The New York Knicks made it into the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. But that wasn't enough for former head coach Tom Thibodeau to keep his job.
Thibodeau changed the culture of the Knicks. He also helped the Knicks reach the playoffs in four of his five seasons with New York. While he was able to get the Knicks to the next level, the ownership and front office likely believe they'll need another voice to get the Knicks to the top.
Thibodeau was often criticized for not believing in his bench. He played his starters a lot of minutes, and it likely took a toll on them down the stretch against the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
That said, he went 226-174 in five seasons and earned 24 postseason wins with the Knicks.
Ultimately, the Knicks didn't fire Thibodeau without a general idea of who they want next.
Several names have surfaced since this news broke. Below, we'll discuss the best bets and odds for New York's next head coach.
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Knicks Next Head Coach Odds
Knicks Next Head Coach | Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
Michael Malone | +200 | 33.3% |
Johnnie Bryant | +300 | 25% |
Jay Wright | +750 | 11.8% |
Dan Hurley | +1200 | 7.7% |
Jeff Van Gundy | +1600 | 5.9% |
Monty Williams | +2000 | 4.8% |
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Knicks Next Head Coach Betting Favorites
Michael Malone (+200)
Michael Malone coached the Denver Nuggets from 2015 to 2025. He was abruptly fired late this season after coaching the Nuggets to an NBA Championship in 2023.
He's gone 471-327 as a head coach in the NBA and helped the Nuggets to six consecutive playoff appearances. He became the winningest coach in Denver history.
Some believe Malone's style wouldn't be a good fit for the Knicks. However, he was born in Queens, New York, and coached at Manhattan College as an assistant for multiple years. He was also an assistant for the Knicks from 2001 to 2005.
Ultimately, it would be hard to believe that the Knicks would go after a coach without experience. They'd have to find someone better than Thibs. Malone has more credentials and would be an interesting target.
Johnnie Bryant (+300)
Some believed Johnnie Bryant was a candidate for the Phoenix Suns. That's why the Knicks might've worked quickly to fire Thibs and open up the position before Bryant could put the pen to paper with the Suns.
Not even 24 hours later, the Suns announced that they'll be hiring Jordan Ott as the next head coach. Bryant could've been swayed by the Knicks, or the Suns just like Ott better. We'll soon find out.
Again, it would be hard to imagine the Knicks firing a veteran for someone who doesn't have head coaching experience. However, many of the coaches who were previously fired and given another chance haven't done well.
Look at Frank Vogel or Mike Budenholzer, for example. Therefore, Bryant is a serious contender. He was an associate head coach for the Knicks from 2020-2024 and already knows many players and people within the organization.
Since Ott is going to the Suns, Bryant to the Knicks is a real possibility. This is a better bet than Malone.
Jay Wright (+750)
I know Jay Wright has said a dozen times that he doesn't want to coach again. But how can he pass up an opportunity to coach Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges again?
This is easily his dream job, and I think he'll absolutely consider it if he gets the call. Wright won two NCAA Tournaments with that core and was the AP Coach of the Decade (2010s).
At this point, it feels like Johnnie Bryant is the guy. But again, if the Knicks call Wright and ask about his interest, it's hard to imagine he'll pass up this opportunity. He's an interesting candidate for the job at +750.
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