The Knicks explored a number of candidates, but ultimately landed on Brown to lead them into the 2025-26 season. They fired Thibodeau in early June, days after their playoff exit against the Pacers. Thibodeau won 56.

Brown is notorious for holding players accountable. His new employer is betting on his personality and diligence more than anything else.

Through their free-agency activity so far and the expected hiring of Mike Brown to be their next head coach, the New York Knicks have made one thing unassailably clear: They are all-in on juicing their offense—potential collateral damage on defense be absolutely damned.