Due to a late change, former Knicks coach Jeff Van Gundy won’t be at the Garden to broadcast Wednesday night’s Knicks-Bulls game as Mike Woodson broils on the hot seat.
Van Gundy, who has been linked to a future Knicks coaching job, was to have broadcast the game with Mike Tirico. Jon Barry was pegged to take Van Gundy’s place on the telecast.
ESPN spokesman Ben Cafardo gave no specific explanation for Van Gundy being pulled, telling The Post the assignments are “always subject to change.”
“We’re always reexamining our commentating assignments,” Cafardo said.
The Post reported Van Gundy would be considered by owner James Dolan for a future job after being on the outs with the Garden for a long while. Van Gundy would be very hesitant to take any coaching job midseason, but could be interested next year and would want more input in personnel matters.
In the wake of the report, Van Gundy went on the radio to say he was not lobbying for the position and said he “felt badly” for Woodson.
“He never wants to be a distraction,” a Van Gundy friend said Wednesday. “He’s very sensitive about current coaches.”
Van Gundy has yet to broadcast a Knicks game this season. He’s on tap to due Friday’s Thunder-Lakers match.
“It’s possible he’ll be calling a Knicks game at some point in New York this season,” Cafardo said.