Shortly after last night's 110-98 victory over the Cavs in Cleveland, the New York Knicks announced the firing of head coach Jeff Hornacek. According to ESPN, Knicks president Steve Mills and general manager Scott Perry informed Hornacek of his fate upon the team's return to New York.
During the two seasons with Hornacek as head coach, the Knicks went 60-104 which is the sixth-worst record in the NBA over that stretch, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Kurt Rambis, the associate head coach under Hornacek, was also relieved of his duties.
"Jeff is a true professional who has worked tirelessly for this organization the last two seasons," said Mills and Perry in a joint statement. "We sincerely appreciate his efforts and considerable contributions to the team and wish him well in his future endeavors."
Now, having wiped the slate clean of Phil Jackson's hires, the search for Hornacek's replacement begins.
There are several names being floated around as potential candidates, including former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale, ex-Cavs coach David Blatt and former Knick Mark Jackson. Additionally, ESPN reports that the Knicks plan to contact Jerry Stackhouse, the head coach of Toronto 905, the Raptors' G League affiliate.
Of course, there's also former Knicks head coach Jeff Van Gundy, who would be the popular pick among Knicks fans. New York has won just one playoff series since Van Gundy left early in the 2000-01 season. That said, JVG hasn't coached in 11 seasons and it remains to be seen if he's even interested in leaving his job as an ESPN NBA analyst.
Another interesting name is Villanova head coach Jay Wright. According to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, Knicks management believes Wright would be a perfect fit for a rebuilding club, but a source says, "It would take a lot for him to leave."
The Knicks finished the season with a record of 29-53, which currently has them picking 9th in the NBA Draft.
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