Jay Wright not interested in coaching the Knicks

Jay Wright retired from coaching at the end of the 2021-22 season after 28 seasons. His head coaching career began with a seven-year stint leading the Hofstra Flying Dutchmen. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer, however, made his mark over 21 seasons leading the Villanova Wildcats.

He was asked about returning to coaching – particularly with the New York Knicks – after the organization acquired Mikal Bridges. The move paired the former Wildcat with his collegiate teammates Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Donte DiVincenzo. Speaking to the New York Post, Wright stated:

No. It’s humbling that someone would even mention you or think about you. I’ve been around so long, all the guys who are making the decisions, I know those guys. I wasn’t talking to [Lakers general manager] Rob Pelinka at the end of that. There were no conversations.

You know you can’t stop it, so you have to sit back and say it’s part of the business. When you’re not coaching anymore, you’re still kind of flattered that somebody would think of you. [h/t New York Post]

Wright had previously been linked to both the Los Angeles Lakers and Kentucky Wildcats coaching vacancies. Many believed that the opportunity to coach four of his former college players could entice him out of retirement, however, the former Villanova coach remains happy in his role as a CBS college basketball analyst.

Bridges, Brunson, Hart and DiVincenzo were all members of the Wildcats’ 2016 national title winning team. Each player except Hart was back with the program when they won their second title in three seasons in 2018.

Jay Wright reacts to Mikal Bridges joining former Villanova Wildcats teammates on New York Knicks

Mar 3, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Villanova Wildcats guard Mikal Bridges (25) and head coach Jay Wright hug as he leaves the game during the second half against the Georgetown Hoyas at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

It is not common for four college teammates who won a national championship together team up in the NBA. That took place, however, when the New York Knicks acquired Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets. While they gave up a lot – Bojan Bogdanovic, four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick, an unprotected pick swap and a second-rounder – Jay Wright was a fan of the move.

The former Villanova Wildcats coach took to X, stating:

Boys are blessed to be together. No one ever gets this opportunity in the @NBA . A lot of work to do ! ! Let’s go !! @nyknicks @NovaMBB !

The Knicks fell one win short of their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 1999-00. They were playing injured, however, as OG Anunoby appeared in just three games in the series while Mitchell Robinson played in just one game. Meanwhile, Julius Randle did not suit up the entire postseason. New York not reached the NBA Finals since 1998-99, with their last title coming in 1972-73.

Boys are blessed to be together. No one ever gets this opportunity in the @NBA . A lot of work to do ! ! Let's go !! @nyknicks @NovaMBB ! https://t.co/oSBXzSnyu6

— Jay Wright (@CoachJayWright) June 26, 2024

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