Report: Phil Jackson pushing Knicks to keep Kurt Rambis as head coach

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson is reportedly pushing the team to retain interim head coach Kurt Rambis.

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New York Knicks president Phil Jackson is pushing the team to retain interim head coach Kurt Rambis on a full-time basis, reports ESPN’s Marc Stein and Ian Begley.

Rambis has gone 8–17 since taking over for the fired Derek Fisher in early February. The Knicks are “giving strong consideration“ to Rambis, who is Jackson’s top choice for the head coaching job, according to the report.

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Rambis has a longstanding relationship with Jackson, twice serving as an assistant to the legendary coach for the Los Angeles Lakers. Rambis is a Jackson disciple, and according to the report, Jackson sees Rambis as the coach best-suited to run the Triangle offense and institute Jackson’s coaching principles. 

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Rambis held a full-time coaching job only once before, compiling a 32–132 record over two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Knicks are 31–48, and will miss the playoffs for the third straight season.