Mike Brown Appointed New York Knicks Head Coach on $40M Deal, Vows to Build Championship Culture
Mike Brown, former head coach of Nigeria’s men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, has voiced his enthusiasm and high expectations following his official appointment as head coach of the NBA’s Eastern Conference team, the New York Knicks.
The 55-year-old American, who most recently served as head coach of the Sacramento Kings before his departure, has become the 32nd head coach in the Knicks’ storied franchise history. Brown signed a four-year contract reportedly valued at around $40 million.
Brown rose to the top of a broad and intensive coaching search by the Knicks, which included interviews with several prominent figures such as Taylor Jenkins, Micah Nori, and James Borrego. The organization also explored the possibility of hiring women’s NCAA coaching legend Dawn Staley.
Addressing the media during his introductory press conference at the team’s training facility in Tarrytown, Brown conveyed his drive and belief in the potential of the team. “Nobody has bigger expectations, first of all, than I do,” Brown stated. “My expectations are high. This is the Knicks. I talked about Madison Square Garden being iconic. So, I’m looking forward to it.”
He further emphasized his long-term vision for the franchise, saying, “Our goal is to build a sustainable winning culture that produces championships. That’s why I’m here. I’ve had great conversations with all of our players. I’m looking forward to growing positive, strong relationships with all of them over time. Leon and I just started sitting down and talking about different ways to formulate a staff. That’s gonna be a process that’s ongoing. Who knows how long it will take.”
A decorated coaching veteran, Brown has twice been named NBA Coach of the Year — first with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009 and most recently with the Sacramento Kings in 2023. His résumé also includes four NBA championships as an assistant coach: one with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003, and three with the Golden State Warriors in 2017, 2018, and 2022. With his arrival, the Knicks are aiming not only to remain competitive but to make a serious push for an NBA Finals berth, as they look to end a 52-year championship drought.
Brown replaces former head coach Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed following the Knicks’ exit from the 2025 NBA playoffs, where they fell 4-2 in the second-round series to the eventual Eastern Conference finalists, the Indiana Pacers.
