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Knicks Rumors: Jeff Hornacek Interviewed For Head Coaching Job

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek yells to this team during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek yells to this team during the first half of the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Suns at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks Rumors: Jeff Hornacek has reportedly joined the fray for potential Knicks’ head coaching candidates, as he interviewed recently with Phil Jackson.

New York Knicks rumors continue to circulate about the head coaching job. The latest candidate to have their name thrown into the ring is former Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek.

According to sources, Hornacek interviewed for the Knicks’ head coaching job recently in a meeting with Phil Jackson. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Marc Stein.

As Stein notes, that brings the Knicks total up to four for people interviewed for the job. Frank Vogel met with Knicks’ representatives last week, which the Knicks came away feeling good. He met with Jackson again recently as well. Blatt’s standing for the job has fluctuated, as there were rumors that he wasn’t a part of the process at all. But, he eventually got an interview with Jackson as well.

The Knicks need to move fast if they want to land any of the candidates available. Vogel has been strongly linked to the Memphis Grizzlies opening, as well as the vacancy with the Orlando Magic. Hornacek has had a roller coaster ride of interviews as well, as he has been linked or interviewed for almost every head coaching vacancy there was this offseason.

In addition to the head coaching jobs, Hornacek could land an assistant coaching job if he doesn’t get a head coaching gig. According to Stein, the Golden State Warriors would have Hornacek as a top candidate to replace Luke Walton, who decided to take the head coaching job with the Los Angeles Lakers.

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There had been plenty of rumors that Kurt Rambis would be getting the head coaching job, and all signs pointed towards that. Not only is he the choice that Jackson prefers, Rambis has taken part in a lot of the Knicks’ offseason activities.

Rambis was part of a contingent, along with Jackson, that had meetings with players to teach them the triangle offense. He was also a part of the group that went to the NBA Combine, along with general manger Steve Mills, to represent the Knicks. Jackson was absent from that group.

But, Carmelo Anthony had hoped that there would be an expanded search for the head coaching spot. There were rumors that Anthony would demand a trade if Rambis was named head coach, as Anthony wanted a full process for selecting a new head man. He seems to be getting at least part of what he wanted, as the Knicks now have three known external candidates that have been interviewed for the head coaching spot.

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While the interviews are nice to see, time is ticking for Jackson and the Knicks to make a decision. Whomever they select as the next head coach of the team will shape the foreseeable future for the organization, as it could signal a complete rebuild by moving Anthony, or continuing down this current path with Anthony alongside Kristaps Porzingis.

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