Isiah Thomas is on the verge of leaving his untitled position with the Knicks and accepting an offer to coach Miami-based Florida International University, according to sources.
The former Knick president and coach is mulling the offer to take over FIU’s basketball program. Knick president Donnie Walsh confirmed last night Thomas is involved in talks with FIU.
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An announcement could come as early as today, with a press conference in Miami tomorrow. Thomas would replace Sergio Rouco, who was ousted after five consecutive losing seasons.
Thomas has been doing college scouting for Walsh, but is not part of the scouting group that meets periodically with the Knick president.
Thomas, who was not even mentioned in the Knicks media guide, has been given permission by Walsh to seek other jobs, and recently talked to the Clippers. Thomas, relieved of his coaching/presidential duties nearly a year ago, feels his charismatic personality would lend itself to recruiting.
Thomas became the Knicks’ president in 2003, their coach in 2006 and was fired in 2008 after, among other things, a sexual-harassment lawsuit and almost never-ending chants from fans who wanted him gone. He remains under contract with the Knicks.
Among the other candidates on FIU’s list: Former Miami Heat players Ed Pinckney and Tim Hardaway, both of whom continue to have strong ties to South Florida.