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New York Knicks: 5 candidates to replace Jeff Hornacek as head coach

By Kenneth Teape

CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 11: Head coach Jeff Hornacek watches from the sidelines during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 11, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Hornacek
CLEVELAND, OH - APRIL 11: Head coach Jeff Hornacek watches from the sidelines during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 11, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers 110-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Hornacek /
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New York Knicks: 5 Candidates to replace Jeff Hornacek as head coach
Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Jeff Van Gundy

Going back to the well isn’t something fans usually get excited about. Hiring a retread doesn’t always get a fanbase going, but this one would be different. Jeff Van Gundy is a name that would get Knicks fans excited without a doubt.

Van Gundy took over the Knicks’ head coaching job during the 1995-96 season and remained there until 2001-02 when he was let go just 10 games into the season. That stretch of time was the last time that the organization saw any sustained success. New York made the postseason every season under Van Gundy’s watch, including an NBA Finals appearance in 1999.

Since Van Gundy was fired, the Knicks have won only one playoff series and qualified for the postseason four times. If he is hired, Knicks fans would be hopeful he’d bring some of that old success along with him.

There are questions as to whether Van Gundy wants to get back into coaching. He has been away from the sidelines for 11 seasons. He recently coached Team USA for FIBA AmeriCup and FIBA World Cup Qualifying games, so he has gotten back into it.

According to Ian Begley, a coach with ties to Van Gundy says he would have interest in the Knicks job should their management approach him. Begley also noted that there are multiple players that would be for Van Gundy returning.

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