SAN ANTONIO — When the New York Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau last spring and began searching for a new head coach, Mike Brown did not appear to be at the top of their list. Reports linked the franchise to at least six other candidates from around the league before Brown ultimately got the job.
Looking back now, it’s hard to argue with the decision.
Brown has now been part of five NBA championship teams — four as an assistant coach and one as a head coach. His latest ring came with the Knicks, making him just the second coach in franchise history to win a title with New York, joining the legendary Red Holzman. In a remarkable coincidence, Brown claimed the championship on June 13 — a date that carries deep meaning for the organization. Madison Square Garden features a banner reading “Holzman 613” honoring his career win total with the team. Brown’s title came on 6/13.
“I’m pretty good at trying to control what I can control,” Brown said. “I had zero control over who else was interviewing, who was denied permission. I had zero control over that. I just did the best I could in the interview process. I went about my business and waited until it was either going to progress or end. … I was pretty nonchalant about it as time went on. I just let it unfold the way it unfolded.”
Brown has deep roots in San Antonio, where his family still lives, and where the Knicks wrapped up the championship by beating the Spurs in five games. He credits his time working under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio and alongside Steve Kerr in Golden State as formative experiences in his coaching career.
His championship résumé stretches back to 2003, when he was an assistant on the Spurs’ title-winning squad. He later collected three more rings as an assistant with the Warriors. Along the way, he was named the NBA’s Coach of the Year twice — once with Cleveland in 2009 and again with Sacramento in 2023 — yet both franchises eventually let him go.
In New York, however, his legacy is now cemented forever.
“Mike was invaluable to this run,” said Knicks forward Josh Hart. “He understands what it is to be a champion. He understands how to build a team, how to build habits that will put you in this position. We’re so grateful, so thankful to have him at the top. He kept us even so many times. He’s brought the best out of us, as people first. I’m so happy for him. He’s the reason why we’re here. He’s the reason why we’re here, and we’ve got love for him.”
Brown remained steady throughout the postseason, even when the Knicks fell behind 2-1 in the first round against Atlanta following back-to-back one-point losses. Critics flooded social media questioning whether he was the right person for the job. Brown never wavered.
New York went 15-1 the rest of the way, ending a 53-year championship drought for the franchise.
“I am so tired. I mean, I’m gassed,” Brown admitted. “You know, this stuff is harder than what you think.”
He may say that, but from the outside, he made it look effortless.
