The New York Knicks made what everyone has been expecting official on Monday when they announced that they have fired head coach Mike Woodson. New team president Phil Jackson thanked Woodson and his staff in a statement through the team’s website.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff,” Jackson said. “The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual. But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond.
“Everyone in this franchise owes a great deal of gratitude to what Mike and his staff have done. We wish him the best.”
In a way, Jackson is probably relieved that the Knicks ended up missing the playoffs after putting together an impressive run down the stretch. New York was not going to contend for a championship, and reaching the postseason would have simply delayed offseason planning and made the decision to let Woodson go a bit more complicated.
With Jackson looking to introduce the triangle offense to the Knicks, it appears that Steve Kerr is set to become the team’s next head coach. Kerr, who played under Jackson, reportedly expects to be offered the job and would except it if and when that happens. Expect Jackson to move rather quickly to make that official.
