We reported earlier this evening that the Knicks had finalized a multiyear contract extension with head coach Mike Woodson. While the financial terms for the contract have yet to be announced, the length of the deal will keep Woodson in the Big Apple through the three years remaining on the contracts of Tyson Chandler, Amare Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. We'll keep track of the latest reactions to the news of Woodson's extension here.
- Howard Beck of The New York Times says Woodson should be praised for holding the Knicks accountable on defense but not on offense (via Twitter).
- Woodson was the best candidate for the Knicks head coaching job and New York made the right choice by retaining him, writes ESPNNewYork.com's Jared Zwerling.
- During the conference call announcing his extension, Woodson stated his excitement with owner James Dolan's decision to keep him around for a few more seasons. "I'm very, very excited about coming back and being the Knicks head coach. CAA is representing me now and I know expectations are very high."
- Harvey Araton of The New York Times says the Knicks made the logical choice in electing to bring back Mike Woodson as the team's head coach.
- Knicks GM Glen Grunwald said during the conference call that Woodson was given the first opportunity to win the job and impressed the organization during interviews. “We told Woody he would get the first crack at the job and he hit it out of the park.”
- Frank Isola of the New York Daily News opines that while Woodson earned the job, the Knicks still should have given Phil Jackson a call (via Twitter).
- Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops believes Phil Jackson would have been interested in at least talking about becoming the next head coach of the Knicks.