Mike D'Antoni out as Knicks coach
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| Mike D'Antoni is done in New York. (Getty Images) |
Multiple reports indicated on Wednesday that the New York Knicks and head coach Mike D'Antoni have parted ways.
Yahoo Sports and SI.com reported that it was a "mutual decision," with Yahoo reporting that the two sides had "conflicting visions of the club's future." Yahoo further reported that assistant coachesDan D'Antoni and Phil Weber will also depart, with assistant coach Mike Woodson stepping in as the team's interim coach.
CBSSports.com's Ken Berger has confirmed the reports of D'Antoni's departure.
Later Wednesday, Knicks owner James Dolan issued a press release confirming the move.
“After speaking with Mike this morning, we mutually agreed that it would be best for the organization if he did not continue in his role as coach of the Knicks,” said Jim Dolan, executive chairman of The Madison Square Garden Company. “Mike is a class act and true professional and we have appreciated his honesty, commitment and years of service to the organization.”
Interim GM Glen Grunwald also provided a statement in the press release.
“We thank Mike for the hard work he and his staff had put towards making New York a destination for great players in our league as we went through our rebuilding process,” Grunwald said. “But now is the time to look forward to the remaining 24 games of the season. We have a lot of faith in Mike Woodson, who will focus all of his efforts to get this team back into the playoffs and make our final push.”
The move comes after rumors of locker room unrest.
The Knicks are currently 18-24 and out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The Knicks have lost six straight games and will host the Portland Trail Blazers at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night.
D'Antoni is considered one of the sport's leading offensive minds. During a 10-year coaching career, he has assembled a career record of 388-339 (.534). Brought on by the Knicks prior to the 2008-2009 season, he guided the team to its first playoff appearance since 2003-2004 in 2011, although the Knicks were swept out of the first round by the Boston Celtics.
During his time in New York, D'Antoni compiled a record of 121-167 (.420).
D'Antoni serves as an assistant coach for USA Basketball.
