Seth Davis gives definitive take on Jay Wright coaching Knicks following Tom Thibodeau firing

As the New York Knicks made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals this NBA season, the “Nova Knicks” became a storyline. Villanova alumni Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart helped lead the charge as the franchise made its first conference finals appearance in 25 years.

After the Knicks parted ways with Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday, some wondered if their former coach Jay Wright – with whom they won a national title – could be interested in the job. Hoops HQ’s Seth Davis, who works with Wright on CBS’ college basketball coverage, shot that down Tuesday.

Davis doesn’t expect Wright to be in the mix in New York as he enjoys his time on TV. The two-time national champion retired from Villanova in 2022, and Davis considers it a long shot his colleague will replace Thibodeau.

I have been working with Jay Wright on TV for three years. Based on every conversation we have had I would say there is a greater chance that I will be the next Knicks coach than him. The difference is if they call me I will say yes.

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) June 3, 2025

“I have been working with Jay Wright on TV for three years,” Wright wrote on X. “Based on every conversation we have had I would say there is a greater chance that I will be the next Knicks coach than him. The difference is if they call me I will say yes.”

Wright ended his college coaching career with a 642-282 record between Hofstra and Villanova. He won two national titles with the Wildcats before walking away, though his name continues to float around the coaching carousel. Still, he seems happy at CBS, where he works as a studio analyst and on game coverage.

Thibodeau spent five seasons in New York and amassed a 226-174 record during that time. This past year, the Knicks finished with their best record under Thibodeau, finishing 51-31 en route to their first Eastern Conference Finals berth since 2000.

However, criticism mounted about Thibodeau’s rotations and usage of his starters. Ultimately, after the season-ending loss to the Indiana Pacers, the Knicks opted to make a change.

“Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in another direction,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement. “We can’t thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach. He led us not only with class and professionalism for the past five seasons, but also to tremendous success on the court with four playoff berths and four playoff series victories.

“Ultimately, we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward. Tom will always be a part of our Knicks family and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future.”