The New York Knicks on Monday fired head coach Mike Woodson after the team missed the NBA playoffs, team president Phil Jackson said.
New York Knicks head coach Mike Woodson pictured during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City on April 15, 2014
The Knicks went 109-79 in three seasons under Woodson, twice making the playoffs before slumping to 37-45 this season. They finished behind Atlanta for the final Eastern Conference playoff berth.
Jackson, who has coached a record 11 NBA championship teams, was brought in by owners last month to start to rebuild the Knicks.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff," Jackson said. "The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual.
"But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond."
The ouster of Woodson and his coaching staff could open the door for Steve Kerr, a former player under Jackson on three of his six NBA championship teams with Chicago who is familiar with the triangle offense Jackson prefers.
The moves could have a major impact on whether or not star playmaker Carmelo Anthony opts to stay with the Knicks or leave for another club that might offer him a better chance at winning an NBA crown.
Woodson, who replaced Mike D'Antoni in March, 2012, had a contract option for next season picked up by the Knicks in 2013 after guiding the team to its first division crown since 1994 in a 54-28 season and a trip to the second round of the playoffs.
But the Knicks began this season 3-13 and only at the final stretch made a playoff run.