Mike Woodson Fired as New York Knicks Coach: Free Agent Carmelo Anthony To Return or Explore Options With Chicago Bulls, Los Angles Lakers?
Mike Woodson and his entire coaching staff was fired by New York Knicks president Phil Jackson.
In an announcement on Monday, the new president thanked Woodson for his hard work and dedication throughout the season, but revealed his plans to move forward.
"I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff," Jackson said. "The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual. But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond.
Woodson coached the Knicks for the last two seasons after serving an interim coach when Mike D'Antoni resigned in 2011. The Knicks started the 2013-2014 season 3-13 and fell as may as 19 games below .500, ESPN noted.
Jackson will begin to search for a new coach immediately.
The news comes only days after free agent Carmelo Anthony told reporters that he was exploring his options.
"I want to come back," Anthony said last Thursday during his exit interview. "I want to come back. If me wanting to be here, if we can put ourselves in a position to compete at a high level over the course of five years, whatever that contract will be, I'm willing to stay here. I never once said I wanted to leave. I always said I want to explore options and see what's out there."
Rumors also swirled that Anthony was considering signing with Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls or the Los Angeles Lakers.
