The New York Knicks have reportedly reached out to Dawn Staley regarding their head coaching job.

NEW YORK CITY / COLUMBIA, S.C. — In what could become one of the most historic moments in professional basketball, the New York Knicks have officially reached out to South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley regarding their vacant head coaching position, multiple league sources confirmed late Saturday evening.

This marks the first known instance of a current NBA franchise contacting a female head coach for a full-time head coaching role, and it comes as no surprise that Staley — a three-time national champion and Olympic gold medal-winning coach — is the one rewriting the script.

“The Knicks are serious about turning the culture around,” one league insider said. “They want a leader. Dawn Staley is on their shortlist.”

Following their disappointing playoff exit and the subsequent firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks front office, led by President Leon Rose and GM Scott Perry, is reportedly looking for a transformational figure — someone who can lead both on the floor and off it, and connect across generations of players and fans.

Dawn Staley fits that profile as few others do:

• 3× NCAA National Champion (2017, 2022, 2024)
• 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist (Head Coach, Team USA)
• Back-to-back SEC Coach of the Year honors
• More than 500 career collegiate wins
• Known for building elite culture, player development, and fierce accountability

“She’s not just one of the best coaches in women’s basketball — she’s one of the best coaches in the sport, period,” said ESPN’s Brian Windhorst.

According to sources, the Knicks’ initial contact was made through mutual representatives, with the franchise expressing “genuine interest” in learning Staley’s vision for building a competitive NBA roster.

While formal interviews are still in the early stages, the fact that New York reached out first suggests a serious level of consideration — not a publicity move.

“This isn’t symbolic. It’s strategic,” said one league official. “They’ve seen what she’s built at South Carolina. That doesn’t go unnoticed.”

If hired, Staley would become the first woman to ever serve as head coach of an NBA franchise, and only the second to be considered this deeply for the role (Becky Hammon interviewed with the Trail Blazers in 2021).

Staley has rebuffed professional coaching offers in the past, including reported interest from WNBA franchises and men’s programs. She’s long emphasized her commitment to growing women’s college basketball, and her ties to South Carolina run deep — both personally and culturally.

But this is different.

This is the NBA.
This is the New York Knicks.
This is history in the making.

South Carolina administrators are reportedly aware of the Knicks’ interest and are preparing contingency scenarios — though there’s no indication yet that Staley has made a decision or sat for a formal interview.

“Dawn loves Columbia. She’s built a legacy here. But the NBA only knocks once,” said a source close to the program.

Staley was asked about the Knicks rumors earlier this week and gave a brief, calculated response:

“It’s flattering. I love what I do. I love who I do it with. I’m focused on this team — until someone tells me to think otherwise.”

She didn’t deny the contact.
She didn’t shut the door.

The possibility of Staley coaching in the NBA has already drawn strong endorsements from current and former players:

• LeBron James: “Dawn Staley can coach at any level. She’s a leader, period.”
• Jalen Brunson (Knicks PG): “I’ve got mad respect for Coach Staley. She’s a winner.”
• Draymond Green: “It’s time. She’s earned the shot.”

Even WNBA players weighed in, with A’ja Wilson calling the potential move “iconic” and “inevitable.”

If the Knicks proceed with formal interviews, Staley would likely join a pool that includes:

• Kenny Atkinson (Warriors assistant)
• JJ Redick (former player, media personality)
• Charles Lee (Hornets head coach, if available)
• A possible return inquiry to Becky Hammon

However, Staley’s presence already shifts the landscape. Her resume, championship pedigree, and voice in the sport make her not just a candidate — but arguably the most proven of the bunch.

For decades, women have been knocking on the NBA’s coaching door.

Now, one of the game’s most respected leaders might finally kick it wide open.

The Knicks’ reported contact with Dawn Staley isn’t just a headline — it’s a potential watershed moment in basketball history.

Should Staley choose to engage seriously — or even take the job — it will represent not only a seismic shift for the Knicks, but a signal to every level of basketball: excellence knows no gender.

And if the Knicks are truly ready to win — they might be wise to follow the woman who’s been doing it for decades.