Former Villanova coach Jay Wright is not a candidate for the Knicks‘ head coaching job, reports Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports (via Twitter).
According to Rothstein, Wright frequently talks to Knicks president Leon Rose, who is aware that Wright is happy in retirement. Wright retired in 2022 after 21 seasons with the Wildcats.
Wright, 63, has been a commentator for CBS in recent years. Although he was floated as a possible candidate after Tom Thibodeau was fired, subsequent reports indicated that Wright was highly unlikely to leave retirement to take the job.
Wright said last June he had no interest taking an NBA job, whether it was in New York or elsewhere. His ties to the Knicks are obvious, as three key players — Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart — played under Wright at Villanova. Wright led the Wildcats to four Final Four appearances and won two national championships (in 2016 and 2018).
Multiple Knicks beat reporters have confirmed the news (All Twitter links).
Jay seems very happily retired.
His retirement killed my dream of playing for Villanova, that and my basketball skills too
Love Jay Wight. He doesn’t need the stress of coaching Knicks after the firing of Thibs. He lives a stress free life. And makes a good salary. Not everyone is greedy for cash. . …
Michael Malone ———— a homey .
The flag of 2k nation will fly at half mast for the next week. But, for everyone else, it’s a victory for common sense.