Knicks Confirm Jay Wright Declines Head Coach Role, Plans Retirement

Jay Wright, the former Villanova head coach and college basketball legend, has confirmed that he is not interested in the New York Knicks' head coaching position and plans to remain retired. Despite speculation fueled by his ties to several Knicks players known as the "Nova Knicks," Wright has communicated to Knicks president Leon Rose that he is happy in retirement and has not been offered or formally interviewed for the job. Wright retired in 2022 after a successful career that included two national championships, multiple Big East titles, and a Hall of Fame induction. The Knicks, seeking a replacement for recently fired coach Tom Thibodeau, appear to be focusing their search on current NBA head coaches. One reported candidate is Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who led his team to the NBA Finals in 2024 and is under contract with Dallas. Wright has transitioned to a broadcasting career, working as a college basketball analyst for CBS and TNT.