Knicks Search for New Head Coach: Jay Wrights Retirement and the Impact on Former Player Josh Hart

The New York Knicks have been on the lookout for a new head coach since they fired Tom Thibodeau last week, and one name that had been mentioned in the media was that of legendary college basketball coach Jay Wright. Wright, who has guided Villanova to two national championships and 642 wins over his 28-year career, had been considered a potential candidate for the Knicks' opening. However, Wright has no interest in returning to coaching and wants to remain a studio analyst for CBS. This news has been met with relief by one of his former players, Josh Hart, who won a national championship and first-team All-America honors while playing for Wright at Villanova. Hart was drafted as an NBA first-round pick in 2017 and has played for several teams before being traded to the Knicks. Despite having a good relationship with Knicks president Leon Rose, Wright has made it clear that he prefers to stay retired. The Knicks are reportedly targeting experienced NBA head coaches in their search and are expected to request permission to interview Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd. The Houston Rockets have already declined a similar inquiry regarding their coach, Ime Udoka. The Knicks' decision to pursue Wright was particularly intriguing given that three former Wildcats – Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Hart – are star players on their roster. While Wright's college success may have been a factor in the Knicks' initial interest, it is clear that he is content with his current role and is not interested in returning to coaching. In the end, it seems that the Knicks will have to look elsewhere for their next head coach, as Wright has made it clear that he is retired and content with his current position. The search for a new coach will undoubtedly be a challenging one, but the Knicks will hope to find someone who can help them return to their winning ways and bring success back to the team.