BREAKING: South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley has confirmed that she would have accepted the head coaching position with the New York Knicks had they extended an offer following her formal interview. Staley made the revelation on the Post Moves podcast along with WNBA stars Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker.
In a candid discussion, Staley expressed her strong desire to break barriers for women in sports, stating, “I would have had to do it. Not just for me. For women. To break [that door] open.” The Knicks ultimately hired Mike Brown in early July 2023, leaving Staley reflecting on her missed opportunity.
The 55-year-old Staley, who is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame with three national championships under her belt, emphasized her preparedness and performance during the interview. However, she questioned whether her inquisitive nature hindered her chances. During the interview, she asked the Knicks’ leadership how hiring the first full-time female NBA coach would impact their organization.
“How, if you hired me as the first female [head] coach in the NBA, would it impact your daily job? Because it would,” Staley recounted. She noted a shift in the room’s energy after her probing questions, which raised awareness of the unique challenges a female coach could face.
Staley’s interview was one of several conducted by the Knicks, who also spoke with former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, Pelicans assistant James Borrego, and Timberwolves assistant Micah Nori before finalizing their decision on Brown.
This announcement has generated significant buzz across the sports community, highlighting the ongoing conversation about gender representation in professional sports. Staley’s determination to pave the way for women coaches resonates deeply, emphasizing the broader implications of diversity in leadership roles.
As the sports world watches, the focus now shifts to how organizations like the Knicks will address gender dynamics moving forward. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Staley’s bold stance will influence future hiring practices in the NBA.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as it evolves.
