Dawn Staley Offered Knicks Head Coach Role: Historic NBA Move That Almost Happened
Dawn Staley interviewed for Knicks head coach job

In a revelation that would have shaken the foundations of professional basketball, Dawn Staley—the iconic US women's basketball coach and Hall of Famer—has confirmed she was formally interviewed for the head coaching position at the New York Knicks.

The groundbreaking approach, which occurred during the Knicks' search for a new leader in 2024, could have seen Staley become the first female head coach in NBA history. Speaking candidly, Staley revealed she would have accepted the offer had it been extended.

A Historic Near-Miss for the NBA

The three-time NCAA national championship coach with the South Carolina Gamecocks disclosed that the interview process was "very serious" and comprehensive. The Knicks' ownership and front office engaged in detailed discussions about her coaching philosophy, system implementation, and leadership approach.

Staley, who also boasts three Olympic gold medals as a player and two as Team USA's head coach, expressed no hesitation about taking the role. "I would have done it," she stated unequivocally, highlighting her readiness to break the gender barrier in men's professional basketball.

The Knicks' Ultimate Decision

Despite the serious consideration and Staley's impeccable credentials, the Knicks ultimately appointed another candidate. The organisation moved in a different direction, leaving what could have been a transformative moment for the sport unrealised.

The revelation raises significant questions about the NBA's readiness for gender diversity in head coaching positions and highlights Staley's status as one of the most respected figures in basketball, regardless of gender.

Impact on Basketball's Gender Landscape

This near-appointment represents the most serious consideration yet of a female coach for a top-tier men's professional team. While several women have secured assistant coaching roles in the NBA, none have reached the head coach position.

Staley's confirmation that she was both interviewed and willing to accept the role signals a potential shift in the sport's landscape and establishes a precedent for future coaching searches across the league.