Jalen Brunson Has Epic Reaction to Father Rick Brunson Reportedly Staying on Knicks Staff

The Knicks’ recent decision regarding Rick Brunson came as a surprise to many - even his son Jalen Brunson - ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.

Jalen Brunson Has Epic Reaction to Father Rick Brunson Reportedly Staying on Knicks Staff

Jalen Brunson and Rick Brunson (Image by FirstSportz)

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The New York Knicks are in the midst of a relentless search for a new head coach ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. It’s been weeks since they sacked their former HC, Tom Thibodeau, and have not been able to appoint his replacement yet. Notably, they also got rejected by many NBA franchises to interview their respective head coaches.

Even though the Knicks are still looking for Thibodeau’s replacement, a significant report about their coaching staff for the upcoming campaign was released on Tuesday. NBA source Marc Stein claims that Jalen’s father, Rick Brunson, is anticipated to continue coaching the Knicks in the upcoming campaign. This surely left many stunned, even his son, Jalen Brunson, as he took to X to react to this news.

WHAT?!

After coming across his father’s news. Jalen Brunson wrote

Jalen Brunson is known for his chirpy nature on and off the court, and while his reaction looked like he was shocked, it had a touch of sarcasm to it as well. Having a new head coach coming over, he is undoubtedly thrilled that his father will be rejoining the coaching staff for the upcoming campaign. Since 2022, when the Knicks signed Jalen in free agency, Rick has been their assistant coach.

Jalen Brunson
Jalen Brunson (Credits; MARCA)

Even though Rick will be rejoining the Knicks for the upcoming season to coach the club and his son, New York still needs to make a big choice about who will lead their squad going forward. Names like Mike Brown, Taylor Jenkins, and Dawn Staley have been linked with the Knicks. By the looks of it, it’s only a matter of time until the Knicks announce their new HC.

Per reports, Brown seems the likeliest candidate, having already managed the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Lakers in the past. It will be interesting to watch who the Knicks appoint in the coming days/weeks.

NBA insider earlier reported that the Knicks were ‘unhappy’ with Rick Brunson

Before joining New York, Rick Brunson was an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Bobcats, and Minnesota Timberwolves. He played nine seasons as a journeyman point guard in the NBA. Now, NBA insider Sam Amico earlier reported that some ‘Knicks players’ are unhappy with the presence of Brunson Sr. at the touchline.

Multiple Knicks players have been unhappy with the presence of assistant coach Rick Brunson, the father of star guard Jalen Brunson. What that issue is, exactly, has not been determined, though sources suggested that Rick has had too big a say in things.

Sam Amico wrote

Many claim that Brunson Sr. has a huge say in the organization. Also, with his son being one of the major stars of the franchise, it is expected that he will have a huge role to play in the franchise. Moreover, Thibodeau had always supported Rick, but now that he was fired, there may be more adjustments in New York ahead.

Knicks are on the verge of making NBA history as they are linked with Dawn Staley for their HC role

After Tom Thibodeau was fired, the New York Knicks are still without a head coach. The Knicks are targeting Dawn Staley, as was previously revealed. Following several reports of various coaches, it may be time for the Knicks to make history. Staley is an iconic figure in women’s basketball, both as a coach and a player.

As a basketball player, Staley contributed to the Olympic and World Cup gold medals won by Team USA. She presently coaches South Carolina’s women’s division, where she has won three NCAA titles, one Olympic gold, and one World Cup gold. Staley and the Knicks can also create history: she would become the first female coach in NBA history if she gets the HC role.

However, with Mike Brown also in the mix, the Knicks will assess all their options before making a decision that could shape their future. For now, the Knicks’ hiring Brown looks more likely, but anything can happen in the NBA. Stay tuned for further updates.

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