Rick Brunson’s role reduced under new coach

Rick Brunson’s role on Mike Brown’s coaching staff will be less prominent compared to the position he held when Tom Thibodeau was head coach.

Following the departure of Thibodeau, the New York Knicks brought in Brown during the recent offseason. As part of the new coaching structure, Brown plans to appoint a new associate head coach to the team.

Brunson has accepted stepping back from being the Knicks’ lead assistant coach.

A reliable insider shared, “This adjustment serves the best interests of both the team and the players.”

Rick Brunson initially joined the Knicks’ coaching staff in 2022, just prior to the organization signing his son, Jalen Brunson, who left the Dallas Mavericks to join New York as a free agent.

Rick Brunson Accepts Lesser Role To Remain On Knicks' Coaching Staff https://t.co/mGbKrTHdLm

— RealGM (@RealGM) July 8, 2025