The New York Knicks have fired Mike Woodson as head coach. It was announced this morning.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff,” Knicks President Phil Jackson said in a released statement. “The coaches and players on this team had an extremely difficult 2013-14 season, and blame should not be put on one individual. But the time has come for change throughout the franchise as we start the journey to assess and build this team for next season and beyond.”
After a successful 54-wins during the 2012-2013 season and an Atlantic Division title, the Knicks started this season 3-1. After injuries and losing streaks, the Knicks finished this season at 37-45 and missed out on the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.
“Everyone in this franchise owes a great deal of gratitude to what Mike and his staff have done,” said Jackson. “We wish him the best.”
Woodson had one year remaining on his three-year contract with the Knicks.
Jackson and the Knick management didn’t stop there, as they fired the entire coaching staff. Literally gutting all of the possible bad blood that was sitting on the bench and taking a step towards the future.
