As the New York Knicks’ coaching search gained traction this week, Jay Wright’s stance came into sharper focus—but it didn’t catch those close to him off guard.
The 63-year-old Hall of Famer stepped down from Villanova in 2022 after more than two decades and has since served as an analyst for CBS and TNT. Though Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges all played for him at Villanova, Wright remains firmly out of coaching consideration.
Inside Jay Wright’s Mindset as Knicks Coaching Talk Heats Up
Jay Wright’s name surfaced quickly in the wake of the New York Knicks’ surprise dismissal of head coach Tom Thibodeau, but insiders close to the Hall of Famer insist his stance remains unchanged: he’s not coming back.
Seth Davis of Hoops HQ, a colleague of Wright’s at CBS Sports, noted that Wright “told the Knicks that he was not interested in the position and wants to remain retired.”
Despite his strong connection to Knicks president Leon Rose, Wright never formally interviewed for the job and only had a brief conversation about the role, according to Davis.
“He’s happily retired, and he intends to stay that way,” echoed a source, emphasizing Wright’s contentment in his current analyst role.
Jeff Goodman added further clarity to the situation:
No surprise.
Jay Wright has said over and over how happy he is doing TV – and has no intention to coach again.
Having said that, I think Wright would have been one hell of an NBA head coach.
Has the perfect temperament for it. https://t.co/JzmfJRXt9r
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) June 7, 2025
Wright, now 63, built a Hall of Fame legacy during his 21-year run at Villanova, where he coached Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges to multiple national championships.
All three now play key roles for the Knicks, making Wright’s name a natural fit in speculation. But a source familiar with his regular conversations with Rose said the team president has long understood Wright’s disinterest in a coaching return.
This isn’t the first time Wright has been linked to a high-profile opening. When the Lakers job opened last year, Wright shut down speculation with a candid response to The New York Post:
“No. It’s humbling that someone would even mention you or think about you. … There were no conversations.”
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As Wright remains firm in retirement, attention has shifted to Jason Kidd. ESPN’s Shams Charania and Tim MacMahon reported that Kidd is among the names being considered by New York.
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