Mike Brown was formally introduced as the new head coach of the New York Knicks on Tuesday afternoon at the team’s training facility in Westchester.
“I’m honored and excited to be the new head coach of the New York Knicks,” he said.
His experience includes almost three decades of work with the NBA, starting as a video coordinator with the Denver Nuggets in 1992, and most recently working as head coach with the Sacramento Kings for three seasons (2022-2025). Brown has coached with various teams in the league during their postseason playoff appearances, and New York leadership hopes it will help them win a championship.
“His experience leading the bench during the NBA Finals, winning four titles as an assistant coach, and his ability to grow and develop players will all help us as we aim to bring a championship to New York for our fans,” said Knicks President Leon Rose in a tweet from the team.
Brown started the press conference by thanking Rose and the CEO of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., Executive Chairman James L. Dolan.
“Leon and our staff ran a thorough and thoughtful process that led our organization to Mike, and I’m pleased to see him on the sideline for us next season,” Dolan was quoted as saying in a tweet by the Knicks.
P&T’s Shara Talia Taylor was at today’s press conference as the Knicks introduced Mike Brown as their new head coach. Here’s the moment the new skipper took the podium. pic.twitter.com/dikMHPH6m3
— Posting and Toasting (@ptknicksblog) July 8, 2025
Before Brown’s arrival, Sacramento had not clinched a playoff spot since 2006. However, during his first year as head coach, he helped the Kings reach the playoffs in 2023 with 48 wins.
“I learned a lot not just in Sacramento, but throughout my entire career,” Brown said when asked what he can bring from his experience to New York.
He was unable to pinpoint one thing in particular, but looked forward to getting started with the Knicks.
“I love their length and I love their versatility,” he said when asked about what changes he would make to improve defensively.
“I thought what the group did this past year in the playoffs just shows their potential, not just defensively but offensively too,” he said. “It’s about looking forward and putting a plan in place and working with those guys on both ends of the floor.”
Brown also served as head coach with the Los Angeles Lakers (2011-2012) and the Cleveland Cavaliers (2005-2010 and 2013-2014). He led the Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance during the 2006-2007 season. He worked as an assistant coach for the Washington Wizards (1997-1999), the San Antonio Spurs (2000-2003), the Indiana Pacers (2003-2005), and the Golden State Warriors (2016-2022), winning the NBA Championships with the Warriors in 2017, 2018, and 2022 and the Spurs in 2003.