MIKE LIKES IT: It came as no real shock that the Knicks announced yesterday Mike Woodson has had the interim label lifted and is now head coach, but the club didn’t even approach presumed favorite Phil Jackson (inset) about the job, provoking some surprise. (
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Why not Phil?
With Mike Woodson officially named Knicks head coach last night, general manager Glen Grunwald answered the $10 million per year question on why he didn’t reach out to Phil Jackson to see if he could lure the Zen Master and his NBA-record 11 coaching titles to the Garden.
Grunwald said Woodson’s postseason interview was as impressive as his 18-6 regular-season record and that slammed the door shut on Jackson.
“Woody earned the right to be the first person we talked to and turned out the only person we talked to because our discussion with him after the season really reflected why he was so successful during the season,’’ Grunwald said on a conference call. “We thought he was the right guy for this team at this time.
“Obviously there were names out there, had we opened up the search, that would’ve been called, namely Phil Jackson, the most successful coach in NBA history. But we felt Woody was our guy. We told Woody he’d get first crack at the job and he hit it out of the park.’’
Sources have indicated Jackson was interested — and Jerry Sloan may have been, too. But they’ll have to wait as Woodson gets what’s believed to be a three-year deal — the length of service left on the pacts of Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amar’e Stoudemire.
“Mike took over the team under challenging circumstances and made it clear, starting on day one, that he was going to hold every player on our roster accountable,” Knicks owner James Dolan said in a statement. “We saw a significant improvement since Mike took over and believe our team will only keep improving under Mike’s direction.”
Grunwald, a former Indiana University teammate of Woodson’s, went on to explain Woodson’s interview was what he and Dolan wanted to hear.
“It was combination of his work during the season and his interview after the season where he talked philosophy, how he wants to play, how he’d use the players we’d have,’’ Grunwald said. “How he’d have done things differently had we had a full season and full training camp. What his expectations and goals were for the team and how realistic he thought about taking the next step and how he’d go about doing that. He did a great job with that.’’
The Woodson signing came with even more controversy after multiple reports Dolan ordered Woodson to fire his longtime agent, Joe Glass, who represented former coach Larry Brown during his contract dispute with the Knicks owner. Woodson denied Dolan was a factor, but confirmed he hired CAA lawyer Terry Prince. CAA has several Knicks clients, including Anthony.
“I want to set the record straight,’’ Woodson said angrily. “I didn’t have a contract with Mr. Glass. I elected to do it. Mr. Dolan had nothing to do with me making the decision. I had every right to make the decision. For me and my family, it’s a wonderful day because we have executed a new contract.’ I’m very, very happy today. ‘’
Woodson took over March 14 after Mike D’Antoni resigned. The Knicks’ 18-6 record was second-best during that span after San Antonio.
“[Woodson] has the respect of every person in this organization,’’ Grunwald said.
Getting Anthony to play hard on both ends and earning his endorsement was Woodson’s best achievement after D’Antoni couldn’t reach the superstar. A move to Jackson, who also won two rings as a player with the Knicks, would likely not have sat well with Anthony.
Woodson paid homage to Jackson.
“Coach Jackson is a tremendous coach,’’ Woodson said. “I know his name was mentioned a lot. That was not my concern. My concern was coaching the Knicks. Mr. Dolan decided to bring me back. I’m very, very happy Mr. Dolan gave me this opportunity.’’
The Knicks were ousted in the first round of the playoffs by the Heat in five games after a mountain of injuries befell the club.
Grunwald said he interviewed Woodson about 10 years ago when he ran the Raptors.
“When I was in Toronto, I interviewed him for one of our head-coaching jobs there,’’ Grunwald said. “I didn’t think he was ready for the position at the time. How much he’s improved is outstanding. He has really grown. I’m really happy he’s turned into the coach he is.’’