Basketball Fans React To Dawn Staley, New York Knicks Rumor originally appeared on The Spun.
As the New York Knicks continue their coaching search, the team is allegedly taking an interesting detour involving South Carolina head women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
Advertisement
It was the popular Knicks news account Knicks Fan TV that reported on Saturday that Staley is one of several candidates that the team has reached out to regarding their coaching position.
“Knicks News: According to league sources, both Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown are headed for a second round of interviews. Micah Nori is still being considered. The Knicks have also reached out to South Carolina HC Dawn Staley about the job,” the outlet reported.
Staley ranks among the greatest women’s basketball players and coaches of all-time. As head coach of South Carolina, she has won three national titles and has recently led the Gamecocks to five straight Final Four appearances.
Advertisement
But despite her stellar resume in women’s basketball, the reaction to this report has been mixed at best. Some fans believe that the Knicks are trying to make a bold, splashy hire while others believe that the team’s attempt to reach out to Staley is just them having no idea what they’re doing at all.
“Lmao ok this run is over. Leon wants out it’s clear. I will never witness a championship in my life,” one user remarked.
“Can Adam Silver force Jim Dolan to sell the team?” another asked.
“Love Staley but that’s really unserious at this point in the game,” wrote another.
“Plz no. We don’t need a woman HC. I’m not trying to be the laughing stock of the league when (expletive) hits the fan.”
Advertisement
“Even considering Dawn Staley has me ill.”
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 11: Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks looks on in the second quarter during their game against the Liberty Lady Flames at Colonial Life Arena on December 11, 2022 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
“If there is ever a female Head Coach in the NBA the Knicks are not the team to start that trend.”
“It’s sad how desperate they are. Terrible job by Dolan over stepping and getting rid of tibs. He has to learn you can’t have the players call the shots. It never works. They will waste the prime of JB and some others and hope and pray in another 3 or 4 years #Knicks.”
That’s a lot of negativity being directed at the Knicks over the Staley rumor. The Knicks haven’t made any decisions yet and it’s not even clear if the interest is mutual.
But if there was ever a women’s basketball coach qualified to coach in the NBA, it would probably be Staley.
Advertisement
Related: Dawn Staley Is Being Mentioned For NBA Coaching Job
Basketball Fans React To Dawn Staley, New York Knicks Rumor first appeared on The Spun on Jun 28, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.