At the outset, let me go on record by saying that I’m not really convinced that I would like Patrick to coach the N.Y. Knicks. Not because I don’t want to see him land his first head coaching job in the Big Apple, it’s just that I wouldn’t want to see him hired and then possibly let go should the season not pan out enough to please owner James Dolan.
What has been surprising is not the fact that Ewing has been an assistant coach for almost a decade and hasn’t landed a head coaching gig, it’s that in all this time he has managed to garner just one interview. That was with the Detroit Pistons last year who opted to pass on Patrick and go with ex-N.J. Nets coach Lawrence Frank instead.
Hall Of Famer and former N.Y Knicks Center Patrick Ewing deserves to be a head coach in the NBA. Photo: USA Today
Of course, New York would be the most logical place for the Hall of Famer to make his head coaching debut as Patrick is one of the most iconic ex-players ever to wear a Knicks uniform. His #33 jersey was retired to the Madison Square Garden rafters on Feb. 28th, 2003 with every major super star of the day in attendance. Whenever the Orlando Magic play at the Garden Ewing is usually treated to long ovations from the home crowd. But, at the moment, interim coach Mike Woodson is at the helm and has been doing an admirable job, given the injury plagued condition of many of his players.
“I still have my place here (in New Jersey), and I’d love to interview for any job, here or anywhere,” he told ESPN.com recently.. ” I played here. I know the ins and outs of New York, the media, the fans.” And even though all this is true, whenever there has been an opening for a head coach, invariably, Ewing has been passed over.
Currently, there are three NBA teams with interim head coaches; Kaleb Canales in Portland, Randy Wittman in Washington, and the aforementioned Mike Woodson in New York. Ex Knick guard Mark Jackson spent several years as an analyst on ESPN before landing the head coaching gig in Golden State this season. I don’t see the ‘Big Guy’ in that role necessarily however he began his career as an assistant coach with the Wizards after retiring from playing in 2002. Perhaps that would seem the most logical move for Ewing; time will tell.
“I hope. I hope,’’ Ewing said while speaking with Marc Berman of the New York Post. “ There are already three teams without a head coach. I’m hoping to get an interview with all of them and hope I land one. That’s why I work and study. I’m waiting for the opportunity.’’
We’re not saying that Ewing would make a good head coach or bad. We’re just wondering why he hasn’t been afforded the opportunity yet…
Maybe the 2012-2013 season will be the one that Patrick Ewing makes his head-coaching debut. Photo: Rick Osentowske/US Presswire
FANTASY FURNACE 
Plus, Patrick still has “children to feed,” right? But seriously, if Larry Bird and Isiah Thomas can get shots at being a head coach, so should Ewing.
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I have often wondered why on this subject myself. Mark Jackson has television experience and also has point guard on his resume, sort of like catchers and middle infields in baseball being good managers. Very few big men get coaching jobs left alone superstar big men like Patrick Ewing. I often wonder if there is a perception of Patrick Ewing that holds him back from getting the job he seeks. Lastly Ewing has paid his dues like another former Knick who became an all time great coach Phil Jackson.
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You’re correct about big men not getting head coaching jobs as frequently. Keven McHale in Minnesota was probably the last.
I’ve found it curious that the Knicks, the obvious place of choice for Patrick (at least in SOME capacity) haven’t extended any offer to him. They have Alan Houston being prepped for a managerial post, Herb Williams, another crowd favorite who’s been an assistant coach for eons, and John Starks who does lot of PR work for the organization. Why not Patrick? Unless it’s because he felt he was worth more than the Knicks did before he was dealt to Seattle at the end of his career…
Patrick’s situation almost reminds me a little of how long Willie Randolph, another popular player and a Yankee for most of his career, had to wait to get his shot as well…
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Last summer, the Pistons passed on Patrick for Lawrence Frank. Lawrence Frank! How many rings did he win when he was with New Jersey?
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totally agree Lawrence Frank was a terrible head coach with Kidd Carter and RJ
I would love to see Patrick get a fair chance to coach. My question is why is Herb Williams still an assistant coach on the Knicks? They have had new coaches since 2005 and he still manages to stay on every staff why?
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Great post. I agree with you. I think Patrick would be much better suited to a head coaching position than Mark Jackson… He has looked downright lost at times this season. Here’s hoping someone gives Ewing his shot soon.
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He’ll do no worse than Mark (although it is just his 1st year), or Monty Williams, or Lawrence Frank or Alvin Gentry. Gentry has been a head coach for almost 17 years. He has a 289-309 .483 career record. And even Scott Skiles. What has he done? Been head coach with 3 teams; Suns and Bulls fired him. Has a career .500 record.
Hope you’re right Joe!
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I am hoping when this next coaching carousel is done, Patrick Ewing will be a head coach some where.
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Ewing has never been viewed as a brainy type player. In fact, most NBA centers aren’t. Now, I’m not saying he’s not smart enough to be a head coach, but what proof do we have that says other wise?
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By virtue of the fact that Patrick’s not only been an NBA ass’t coach for 8 years now, he’s also proven to be an inspiring mentor to Dwight Howard since he came into the league. Most NBA big men don’t come across as being very cerebral I guess otherwise more centers would have been named head coaches. The two exceptions that I can think of would be Willis Reed and Kevin McHale.
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While the decision would be popular for the fans and the media, the Knicks’ current situation is too chaotic for a first-time coach to fix.
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Well the team won’t be changing hardly at all next season. They’re pretty set so there will be some stability at long last, but I wouldn’t want him to come to the Garden and then get fired at some point. I just hope he lands a head coaching job.
Thanks Sam.
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The NBA like the NFL would rather recycle garbage and use that as their excuse in terms of the coaching talent within the league (NBA)
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