The New York Knicks are deep into their search for a new head coach, with Minnesota Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori emerging as a prominent candidate. Nori, 51, recently completed a formal interview with the Knicks, joining former NBA head coaches Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown as the leading contenders for the vacancy left by Tom Thibodeau's surprising firing earlier this month.
Thibodeau’s dismissal came just days after the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, marking New York’s first appearance at that stage in 25 years. Despite this historic run, concerns about lineup management and coaching acumen surfaced after a meeting between players and front office personnel, ultimately leading to the decision to part ways with Thibodeau.
Micah Nori’s rise to the Knicks’ interview stage is notable. A longtime NBA assistant coach, Nori has been with the Timberwolves since 2021, serving as the lead assistant under head coach Chris Finch. When Finch suffered a torn patellar tendon during the 2024 playoffs against the Phoenix Suns, Nori stepped in as acting head coach, guiding Minnesota through the remainder of the clinching game and helping the team advance to the Western Conference Finals. The Timberwolves eventually fell to the Dallas Mavericks after defeating the Denver Nuggets in six games.
Nori’s coaching résumé extends beyond Minnesota. Since starting his NBA assistant coaching career in 2009, he has worked with the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Denver Nuggets, and Detroit Pistons. His experience is bolstered by a background in baseball; he played collegiate baseball at Indiana University, where he was a captain and middle infielder, finishing with impressive stats including a .305 batting average and 20 home runs. After his playing days, he transitioned into coaching, serving as the Hoosiers’ hitting coach in 2005 before moving into basketball coaching with the help of fellow Middletown native and former Hoosier Butch Carter.
Nori’s family has deep athletic roots. His father, Fred Nori, was a baseball standout for Indiana in the 1960s and played in the New York Mets’ organization before coaching at multiple universities and high schools. Micah’s younger brother, Brady Nori, also excelled in baseball, earning a spot in the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. Continuing the family tradition, Micah’s son Dante was a first-round MLB draft pick in 2024, currently playing in the Philadelphia Phillies’ minor league system.
Despite his assistant coach status, Nori is well-respected across the NBA and has been considered for several head coaching roles in recent years. He interviewed with the Phoenix Suns during the 2025 offseason, though he was not among the final candidates. His reputation as a reliable and knowledgeable assistant who commands respect from players has made him a compelling option for the Knicks, who are looking for a steady hand to guide a roster featuring stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
The Knicks’ coaching search has been complicated by a series of rebuffs from other teams. New York reportedly sought permission to speak with several current NBA head coaches, including Chris Finch of the Timberwolves, Jason Kidd of the Dallas Mavericks, Ime Udoka of the Houston Rockets, Quin Snyder of the Atlanta Hawks, and Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls. However, all declined to engage in discussions, with Minnesota specifically protecting Finch from being interviewed. This left the Knicks to focus on former head coaches and promising assistants like Nori.
Former head coaches Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins round out the leading candidates. Brown, 61, brings a wealth of experience, including an Eastern Conference title with the Cleveland Cavaliers and multiple NBA championships as an assistant with the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. He interviewed for the Knicks job in 2020 and left a strong impression. Jenkins, 40, coached the Memphis Grizzlies for six seasons before being fired late in the 2024-25 season. He led the Grizzlies to three consecutive playoff appearances and achieved a playoff series win in 2022.
The Knicks are also reportedly considering former Charlotte Hornets head coach James Borrego, known for his offensive creativity and analytics-driven approach. Borrego improved the Hornets’ record each year and led them to 43 wins in his final season, despite a roster lacking elite talent. After being let go by Charlotte, he spent the 2024-25 season as an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans.
As the Knicks prepare for the upcoming free agency period, the urgency to fill the coaching vacancy grows. President Leon Rose and the front office want the new coach involved in roster decisions, especially as the team looks to build on last season’s success and capitalize on a relatively open Eastern Conference landscape. With key rivals facing injuries to stars like Jayson Tatum, Tyrese Haliburton, and Damian Lillard, the Knicks see an opportunity to make a deep playoff run.
One challenge remains the heavy minutes logged by key Knicks players last season. Jalen Brunson, a vocal supporter of Thibodeau, averaged top-20 minutes despite battling calf and ankle injuries. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart ranked first and third in minutes played, raising concerns about durability heading into the new season.
There is no set timeline for the coaching hire, but the Knicks have been deliberate in their approach, conducting a broad search to find the right fit. Whether it’s a seasoned head coach like Brown or Jenkins, a promising assistant like Nori, or a fresh voice like Borrego, New York’s next coach faces high expectations to guide the team beyond the Eastern Conference Finals and into the NBA Finals.
For now, the Knicks’ coaching search remains active and ongoing, with Micah Nori’s interview marking a significant step in the process. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as New York aims to secure a leader who can harness the talent on the roster and deliver the championship success the franchise has long sought.
