NEW YORK – A new era is unfolding inside Madison Square Garden. Mike Brown wants control, and Rick Brunson’s role is changing to make that clear. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports Mike Brown will hire an associate head coach, bumping Rick Brunson down the pecking order.
Mike Brown Demotes Rick Brunson To Exert More Control, Search Underway
This change aims to clean up distractions and cut any perception of conflict. Brunson, the father of star point guard Jalen Brunson, served as the New York Knicks’ top assistant after Johnnie Bryant left for Cleveland. That raised eyebrows in league circles.
“This is what’s best for the organization and the players,” a source told Bondy. Brunson appears to understand the move by Mike Brown. He understands that this is done to protect the team’s bigger goals.
Backstory of a Family Ties Dilemma
Brunson, 53, is no rookie in NBA coaching circles. He’s been on five NBA benches for more than a decade. But last season, he found himself at the center of an uncomfortable spotlight.
The tension came to a head early when Donte DiVincenzo barked at Brunson during a preseason clash. DiVincenzo, who knows the Brunsons well, later smoothed things over. But the damage lingered.
The NBA soon dug deeper. The league opened a probe into whether Brunson’s promotion helped secure Jalen’s below-market extension. The Knicks bristled at the suggestion. Jalen went public to protect his father.
Still, whispers about influence and control never left the Garden. It’s clear why the Mike Brown and Rick Brunson situation demands clarity.
The Search for Stability
Brown wants to choose his own top assistant. James Borrego was his first target, but Borrego remains under contract in New Orleans. Whether the Pelicans release him is unclear.
So the Knicks continue to look for a voice who can run the bench next to Brown. Bondy of the confirmed that coaches Darren Erman, Mo Cheeks, and Mark Bryant will return under Brown. But Rick Brunson’s seat will move back.
Players React and the Message Shifts
The timing of this shake-up matters. Some Knicks players reportedly bristled at Brunson’s influence. Sam Amico of Hoops Wire claimed players believed Rick “has too big of a say in things.” That noise grew louder once Tom Thibodeau was fired.
By shifting Rick Brunson back, Mike Brown sends a clear signal: fresh leadership, fewer distractions. The front office wants a bench that feels balanced — not tilted by family ties.
Brunson’s demotion doesn’t erase his contributions. He’s respected as a teacher and mentor. But Brown must protect the locker room’s trust. The recalibration shows how far the Knicks will go to erase any hint of conflict.
New Coach, New Order
Control defines every NBA bench. By nudging Rick Brunson down, Mike Brown asserts his own vision. The Knicks now move forward with one voice at the front. The search for Brown’s top assistant continues, but one thing is certain — this bench belongs to the new head coach.
Brunson knows the cost of distractions. Now, he steps back for the sake of his son, the team, and the chase for a banner. This chapter should remind everyone: power and perception always shape life at the Garden.
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