Both before and after the hiring of Tom Thibodeau, former Knicks head coach Mike Miller was said to have strong support to remain with the franchise as an assistant coach. However, Miller won’t be part of Thibodeau’s staff after all, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News (Twitter link).
As Bondy notes, Miller is still under contract and impressed members of the organization with the work he did as David Fizdale‘s interim replacement on the sidelines for the Knicks last season. After New York got off to a 4-18 start under Fizdale, Miller led the club to a 17-27 (.386) record the rest of the way, earning himself an interview for the permanent head coaching position.
However, Thibodeau won the competition for the top job, and based on Bondy’s report, it sounds like Miller won’t return to the sidelines in New York in any capacity.
Miller is pursuing another coaching opportunity, Newday’s Steve Popper tweets. Otherwise, he could return to New York in another capacity, perhaps in pro personnel or scouting.
The Knicks are gradually putting together Thibodeau’s staff, having hired Kenny Payne away from Kentucky and reportedly reaching an agreement to make Jazz assistant Johnnie Bryant their associate head coach. There’s an expectation that former Knicks coach Mike Woodson will also be hired as an assistant, though as we saw with Miller, we shouldn’t assume that’s a done deal until it’s official.
I think Miller did enough to warrant his return as an assistant coach. he got more of the players than fiz did by far. I think he is a calming factor that could have been used in a positive way with a new roster and the Tibs way of coaching
That’s too bad. Miller did a good job with very little talent. However, Thibodeau has the right to bring in his guys. I believe Miller will land on his feet and wish him luck.
Miller did a good job as HC. But that really has nothing to do with whether he’s a good fit for the new staff. It’s not even clear he thinks he is. Good basketball man who’s profile was raised by a few months in the job. Wish him well.
Do we even know if Miller wanted to come back. Why should he stay and take a demotion
That would be hard. “Last year when I was in charge we didn’t have this problem…” or worse: “Good thing I’m not head anymore”.
I’ll believe it when the Knicks say it. I believe he’s done enough to stay. I can understand them wanting a fresh start. Then why is Perry still here. He should of been gone with Mills.