"Former D’Tigers Boss Brown Shares Goals for His New Appointment"

"Former D’Tigers Boss Brown Shares Goals for His New Appointment"

Former head coach of Nigeria’s men’s national basketball team, D’Tigers, Mike Brown, has expressed confidence and excitement following his appointment as head coach of NBA Eastern Conference team, the New York Knicks, The PUNCH reports.

The 55-year-old American, who was recently let go by the Sacramento Kings, has been named the 32nd head coach in Knicks history, signing a four-year contract reportedly worth around $40 million.

Brown emerged as the leading candidate after the Knicks carried out an extensive search, interviewing several high-profile names, including Taylor Jenkins, Micah Nori, James Borrego, and even entering into discussions with NCAA women’s basketball legend Dawn Staley.

Speaking at his introductory press conference held at the Knicks’ practice facility in Tarrytown, Brown said:

“Nobody has bigger expectations than I do. My expectations are high—this is the Knicks. Madison Square Garden is iconic, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”

He continued:

“Our goal is to build a sustainable winning culture that can deliver championships. That’s why I’m here. I’ve had great conversations with our players and look forward to building strong, positive relationships with them. Leon (Rose) and I have begun discussing staff structure—it’s a process that will take time, but we’re moving forward.”

A respected figure in the NBA, Brown is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, having won the award with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009 and the Sacramento Kings in 2023. As an assistant coach, he boasts four NBA championship rings—one with the San Antonio Spurs in 2003, and three with the Golden State Warriors in 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Brown’s appointment signals a renewed ambition for the Knicks, who are not just aiming to remain competitive but to end their 52-year championship drought and make a serious push for an NBA Finals appearance.

His hiring comes after the Knicks parted ways with Tom Thibodeau, who was dismissed following the team’s 4-2 playoff series loss to the Indiana Pacers, who went on to reach the 2025 NBA Finals.