The New York Knicks could be in line for a new head coach once this season comes to an end, and rumors are already swirling that former Knicks point guard Mark Jackson is a "hot name" to succeed current coach Jeff Hornacek.
According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Knicks are looking to start fresh from the Phil Jackson Era and that would include getting rid of Horancek this offseason, although the team's struggles this season can't all be contributed to him.
"The former Knicks guard Mark Jackson keeps coming up as a hot name to succeed Hornacek, amid a growing belief the Knicks’ new front-office chief — Scott Perry — will want to install his own hand-picked choice heading into next season."
"It’s difficult to fault Hornacek for much of the chaos that has engulfed the Knicks during his two seasons in charge. But there’s no avoiding the fact he was a Phil Jackson selection, which could well doom him now that the organization seems intent on cutting every non-Porzingian tie to the Phil era as possible."
Jackson, a New York native, played his college ball at St. John's and was later selected by the Knicks in the first round of the 1987 Draft. As a coach, he helped turn the Golden State Warriors around, going from 23-43 to 51-31 in just two seasons. However, Jackson was ultimately replaced by Steve Kerr following the 2013-14 campaign.
The Knicks will likely have a Top-10 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and will once again be looking for a completely fresh start, which would mean a head coaching change.