Dan Hurley’s name is once again at the center of NBA coaching speculation, but this time, it’s tied to the New York Knicks. Just a year ago, Hurley was spotted at a Billy Joel concert in Madison Square Garden amid rumors that he was considering a big-money offer from the Los Angeles Lakers.
At the time, his presence in New York City reassured UConn fans that he wasn’t leaving for LA, signaling that he was staying put in the Northeast, where he has spent his entire coaching career. Now, with the Knicks firing Tom Thibodeau on June 3, 2025, following their Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers, fans are once again connecting the dots.
Dan Hurley Emerges as Knicks’ Favorite After Tom Thibodeau Exit, Sparking Fan Debate
Shams Charania broke the news that the Knicks had relieved Tom Thibodeau of his duties. The move came after internal meetings involving Knicks owner James Dolan and team president Leon Rose following the team’s Eastern Conference Finals loss to the Indiana Pacers.
He took to X and shared, “The New York Knicks are relieving Tom Thibodeau of his duties as head coach, sources tell ESPN. Thibodeau led the Knicks to their first East Finals in 25 years and made the playoffs in four of five years.”
BREAKING: The New York Knicks are relieving Tom Thibodeau of his duties as head coach, sources tell ESPN. Thibodeau led the Knicks to their first East Finals in 25 years, made playoffs in 4 of 5 years and led Knicks to consecutive 50+ win seasons for first time since the 1990s. pic.twitter.com/B7w8KhoEcF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 3, 2025
Speculation is growing about who will become the next head coach of the New York Knicks. One name rising above the rest is Dan Hurley. The UConn head coach is fresh off winning his second NCAA title, so many see him as a strong candidate for the Knicks’ open spot.
However, Hurley’s case is quite different because he has turned down NBA offers before, including a big deal from the Los Angeles Lakers. But this Knicks job might be something special.
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Hurley has deep New York ties, having grown up in Jersey City, New Jersey, just miles from Madison Square Garden. His entire coaching career has been based in the Northeast, making the Knicks job a natural fit compared to uprooting his life for the Lakers.
Now, fans are starting to make the same connection. Some are excited by the idea of Hurley bringing his intense, fast-paced style to New York. Others remain skeptical, unsure if his college success will translate to the NBA.
The St. John’s Barstool X account, @SJUBarstool, shared a meme joking about UConn fans realizing Hurley might leave for the Knicks.
X account, @marcdamelio, a lifelong Knicks fan, emphasized, “I’m a lifelong Knicks fan, but my love for UConn runs much deeper—it’s family. That said, fully owning my Husky bias (I bleed blue), Dan Hurley should not go to the Knicks.”
I’m a lifelong Knicks fan, but my love for UConn runs much deeper—it’s family. That said, fully owning my Husky bias (I bleed blue), Dan Hurley should not go to the Knicks.
— Marc D’Amelio (@marcdamelio) June 3, 2025
@GmingClipz took a more dramatic stance, referencing a Nick Swardson joke and saying, “If Dan Hurley goes to the Knicks, I’ll maneuver my way onto the court during a break in the action at MSG to kill myself with a t-shirt cannon like that Nick Swardson joke.”
Meanwhile, @bryandeno argued, “If there was ever a time and a team for Dan Hurley to jump to the NBA…it’s now. The Knicks are the one job he would covet. They are a championship contender with great leaders and an All-NBA lead guard.”
If there was ever a time and a team for Dan Hurley to jump to the NBA…it’s now. The Knicks are the one job he would covet. They are a championship contender with great leaders and an All-NBA lead guard.
— Bryan DeNovellis (@bryandeno) June 3, 2025
Hurley’s decision to decline an NBA contract last year brought relief to UConn fans. However, the Knicks’ job might be harder for him to resist. Unlike the Lakers, the Knicks are much closer to home.
KEEP READING: Where Did Dan Hurley Play College Basketball? A Look Back Into the UConn Coach’s Career
This means Hurley could stay in his familiar Northeast area without uprooting his career and family. Given his strong association with the vacancy, it will be interesting to see how things unfold.
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