Staley Would Have Taken Knicks HC Job, Reveals Podcast Insights
BREAKING: In a stunning revelation, South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley confirmed she would have accepted the head coaching position with the New York Knicks if offered. During an interview on the Post Moves podcast with WNBA stars Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker, Staley expressed a strong desire to “break [that door] open” for women in sports.
Staley, a Hall of Fame coach with three national championships under her belt, stated, “I would have had to do it. Not just for me. For women.” This statement underscores the significant impact her hiring would have had on the NBA, a league historically dominated by male coaches.
Despite her enthusiasm and a solid interview, Staley was not chosen for the role, as the Knicks hired Mike Brown in early July. Staley revealed that during her interview, she posed critical questions about the implications of hiring the first female head coach in the NBA. “How, if you hired me as the first female [head] coach in the NBA, would it impact your daily job? Because it would,” she recounted asking the Knicks’ leadership.
Staley’s inquiries prompted a shift in energy within the room, making her wonder if her candidness affected her chances. “I felt the energy change after that. So I shot myself in the foot by … being inquisitive and asking all those darn questions,” she reflected.
The Knicks conducted interviews with several candidates, including former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, Pelicans assistant James Borrego, and Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori, before settling on Brown, who previously led the Sacramento Kings.
Staley’s candid comments resonate deeply in the current sports landscape, highlighting the ongoing struggle for gender equality in coaching positions. Her willingness to challenge the status quo may have opened a crucial dialogue on the future of women in sports leadership.
As the NBA season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the league navigates these discussions and whether Staley’s boldness will inspire change in hiring practices moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story, as the impact of Staley’s interview and her reflections on the Knicks’ hiring process continue to unfold.
