The New York Knicks are finalizing a deal to hire Chris Jent as associate head coach, sources told Shams Charania. Jent will join the staff of new head coach Mike Brown in an elevated role.
Jent returns to New York where he spent the 1996–97 season as a player.
Jent brings more than two decades of NBA coaching experience to the Knicks’ bench. His resume includes assistant roles with Cleveland, Sacramento, Atlanta, Los Angeles Lakers and most recently Charlotte.
He guided the Charlotte Hornets to the Las Vegas Summer League championship in July. That summer success was cited as an example of his ability to lead young players.
Charania’s report noted Jent won an NBA title as a player with the Houston Rockets in 1994. The Knicks view Jent as a significant hire to support Brown’s coaching staff and game plan.
Jent has also coached at the collegiate level, serving on staff at Ohio State across multiple stints. His background includes player development work and in-game tactical responsibilities at the highest levels.
The associate head coach title suggests Jent will hold expanded duties beyond typical assistant coaching tasks. Expectations include heavy involvement in player development, scouting and in-game adjustments.
