The New York Knicks’ eventful offseason has taken yet another turn. Jalen Brunson has grabbed everyone’s attention following his cryptic reaction to the New York Knicks’ coach hunt. While the franchise continues its search for a new head coach following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau, NBA insiders revealed that assistant coach Rick Brunson, Jalen’s father, is expected to remain on staff. The report sparked a wave of online chatter after Jalen’s eyebrow-raising post lit up social media.
Jalen Brunson reacts as the New York Knicks’ coach search continues
Despite the New York Knicks being deep into their head coaching search, with former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown emerging as the favorite, NBA insider Marc Stein reported a detail that shifted the spotlight. “The Stein Line has learned that Rick Brunson, father of Knicks star Jalen Brunson, is expected to remain part of the Knicks’ coaching staff… Same is expected for some other key holdovers from Thibodeau’s staff.”Jalen responded in signature style on X, quote-tweeting the update with a simple but loaded: “WHAT?!” The sarcastic post instantly went viral, hinting at an inside joke rather than surprise. After all, Rick Brunson has been on the Knicks’ bench since 2022, the same offseason his son signed with the team in free agency. Nearly four weeks after moving on from Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks appear close to naming his replacement. Former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown has now emerged as the clear frontrunner following a second face-to-face meeting with the organization. Brown, who won NBA Coach of the Year in 2022–23, has built his reputation around tough, defense-first basketball. Perhaps, the Knicks have leaned into his style in recent years.Also Read: Kevin Durant and Steve Nash revealed big issues with small guards in modern NBA gamesBut this is still James Dolan’s team, and nothing happens without his stamp. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, “Brown… will require ultimate endorsement from Knicks owner James Dolan before he can be named Thibodeau’s successor.” That second interview wasn’t just a formality. SNY’s Ian Begley confirmed that Dolan was present during the meeting, signaling that the decision is now firmly in the owner’s hands. Regardless, the Knicks are yet to finalize their head coach, and Jalen’s response just added a spark to the whole coach-hunt process.
