The New York Knicks have officially turned the page on their coaching search, as former Villanova head coach Jay Wright has made it clear he is not interested in returning to the sidelines. After speculation linking him to the Knicks, sources confirmed that Wright is "happy in retirement" and not a candidate for the vacant head coach position.

Wright's Affection for Retirement

At 63, Wright has established deep connections within the Knicks organization, particularly with team president Leon Rose. Their ongoing conversations have led Rose to the conclusion that Wright prefers to enjoy his retirement after an illustrious career leading Villanova to multiple national championships.

From Titles to Television

Since stepping down in 2022, Wright has taken on a role as a college basketball analyst for CBS. Just last year, he reiterated that coaching is no longer his ambition, even amidst swirling rumors regarding the Lakers' coaching vacancy.

Kidd on the Radar

With Wright out of the picture, attention has turned to Jason Kidd, the current Mavericks head coach. The Knicks are reportedly considering formal conversations to interview him, despite Kidd being under contract with Dallas for two more seasons.

Brunson's Support for Kidd

Kidd coached Jalen Brunson during their time together in Dallas, where Brunson significantly developed as a player, particularly during the 2022 playoffs. Brunson has praised Kidd's impact, ranking him as his second-favorite coach, just behind the recently fired Tom Thibodeau.

Knicks' Direction Amidst Coaching Changes

Following Thibodeau's unexpected firing after a successful playoff run, the Knicks are emphasizing experience in their search for a new head coach. With the Summer League approaching, the Knicks appear content to hold off on a hire for now, making it clear they are laser-focused on championship aspirations.

Candidate Landscape Shifting

As the coaching carousel spins, the Knicks have seen several high-profile names disengage from consideration. UConn's Danny Hurley has ruled himself out after last year’s flurry of interest, and Ime Udoka’s current team has no interest in facilitating an interview, further complicating the search.

With Jay Wright officially out of the running, the Knicks face an uphill battle in finding a coach who can lead them to the promised land.