{"id":149314,"date":"2025-07-08T14:50:29","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T18:50:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=149314"},"modified":"2025-07-08T14:50:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T18:50:29","slug":"mike-brown-demotes-rick-brunson-to-exert-more-control-search-underway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/07\/08\/mike-brown-demotes-rick-brunson-to-exert-more-control-search-underway\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike Brown Demotes Rick Brunson To Exert More Control, Search Underway"},"content":{"rendered":"

NEW YORK<\/strong> \u2013 A new era is unfolding inside Madison Square Garden. Mike Brown wants control, and Rick Brunson\u2019s role is changing to make that clear. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post<\/em> reports<\/a> Mike Brown will hire an associate head coach, bumping Rick Brunson down the pecking order.<\/p>\n

Mike Brown Demotes Rick Brunson To Exert More Control, Search Underway<\/h2>\n

This change aims to clean up distractions and cut any perception of conflict. Brunson, the father of star point guard Jalen Brunson<\/a>, served as the New York Knicks<\/a>\u2019 top assistant after Johnnie Bryant left for Cleveland. That raised eyebrows in league circles.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is what\u2019s best for the organization and the players,\u201d a source told Bondy. Brunson appears to understand the move by Mike Brown. He understands that this is done to\u00a0protect the team\u2019s bigger goals.<\/p>\n

Backstory of a Family Ties Dilemma<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Rick
Feb 8, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson talks with New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11), forward Mikal Bridges (25), and guard Josh Hart (3) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brunson, 53, is no rookie in NBA coaching circles. He\u2019s been on five NBA benches for more than a decade. But last season, he found himself at the center of an uncomfortable spotlight.<\/p>\n

The tension came to a head early when Donte DiVincenzo<\/a> barked at Brunson<\/a> during a preseason clash. DiVincenzo, who knows the Brunsons well, later smoothed things over. But the damage lingered.<\/p>\n