Steve Kerr is a top contender to replace Mike Woodson as New York Knicks head coach, and Kerr has admitted that he expects an offer to be made.
"Obviously my name is being thrown around," Kerr said on his SiriusXM radio show. "I do anticipate at least being part of the conversation, and we'll see where it all goes."
The former NBA star played under Knicks President Phil Jackson as a member of the Chicago Bulls from 1993-1998. Although Kerr has never coached NBA basketball, he served as general manager of the Phoenix Suns for three years.
Insiders say that Jackson wants to reunite with his favorite former players and staff in order to create an ideal team, on and off the court. He signed his former L.A. Lakers forward Lamar Odom to the Knicks on the last day of the regular season, and there is speculation that former Bulls scout Clarence Gaines Jr. will be hired as well.
Also in contention for the head coach position is current Oklahoma City Thunder player Derek Fisher. The point guard played for Jackson as a Laker for eight years, and has 17 years of experience in the NBA. Fisher also brings knowledge of the back office, having served for seven years as the president of the National Basketball Players Association—the NBA's labor union.
Sources also say that Milwaukee Bucks Assistant Coach Jim Cleamons has expressed interest in the Knicks job. Cleamons received nine NBA Championship rings as assistant coach to Phil Jackson on the Bulls and Lakers staff. Jackson and Cleamons clearly work well together, and Cleamons may be ready to leave Milwaukee. Former Bucks owner Herb Kohl sold the team to two investors this month.
For now, there is just speculation, but the Knicks will soon need to find replacement for their entire coaching staff: Former head coach Mike Woodson, assistant coaches Herb Williams, Jim Todd, Darrell Walker, and LaSalle Thompson, and shooting coach Dave Hopla.
