With the Knicks finding their top defensive coach in Brendan O’Connor, the focus goes to the offense, but a potential name has dropped out of the running.
Sources tell SNY’s Ian Begley that the Indiana Pacers’ Mike Weinar has removed himself from consideration for a top Knicks assistant job running the offense. Weinar made his decision on Tuesday to remain with the Eastern Conference champion Pacers to coach alongside head coach Rick Carlisle.
The news was first reported by The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.
Weinar has been an assistant coach under Carlisle for seven seasons from 2018 to 2025 with the Dallas Mavericks and Pacers. The 41-year-old coach is under contract with the Pacers and would presumably be allowed to leave if for a promotion/raise.
A name that remains a candidate for the position is Chris Jent, who is currently under contract with the Charlotte Hornets. As Begley notes, Jent was on Brown’s staff with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jent was an assistant coach with the 76ers, Magic, Cavaliers, Kings, Hawks, Lakers and Hornets from 2003 to 2025. He was the interim coach for the Magic during the 2004-05 season, where he went 5-13.
SiriusXM’s Frank Isola first reported Jent being a top candidate.
Brown will keep some coaches from Tom Thibodeau’s staff, including Darren Erman, Mark Bryant, Maurice Cheeks, Rick Brunson and Jordan Brink.
With the Knicks finding their top defensive coach in Brendan O’Connor, the focus goes to the offense, but a potential name has dropped out of the running.
Sources tell SNY’s Ian Begley that the Indiana Pacers’ Mike Weinar has removed himself from consideration for a top Knicks assistant job running the offense. Weinar made his decision on Tuesday to remain with the Eastern Conference champion Pacers to coach alongside head coach Rick Carlisle.
The news was first reported by The New York Post’s Stefan Bondy.
Weinar has been an assistant coach under Carlisle for seven seasons from 2018 to 2025 with the Dallas Mavericks and Pacers. The 41-year-old coach is under contract with the Pacers and would presumably be allowed to leave if for a promotion/raise.
A name that remains a candidate for the position is Chris Jent, who is currently under contract with the Charlotte Hornets. As Begley notes, Jent was on Brown’s staff with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jent was an assistant coach with the 76ers, Magic, Cavaliers, Kings, Hawks, Lakers and Hornets from 2003 to 2025. He was the interim coach for the Magic during the 2004-05 season, where he went 5-13.
SiriusXM’s Frank Isola first reported Jent being a top candidate.
Brown will keep some coaches from Tom Thibodeau’s staff, including Darren Erman, Mark Bryant, Maurice Cheeks, Rick Brunson and Jordan Brink.
