The New York Knicks made it clear when they fired Tom Thibodeau that anything short of an NBA championship isn't good enough.

The Knicks explored a number of candidates, but ultimately landed on Brown to lead them into the 2025-26 season. They fired Thibodeau in early June, days after their playoff exit against the Pacers. Thibodeau won 56.

As a 55-year-old and a four-time fired head coach, Brown represents neither the most obvious nor most exciting choice. If the Knicks struggle, heat will fall quickly on the front office. But Brown is also a safe pick with over 750 regular-season games, a 60% winning percentage and two Coach of the Year awards.