NBA: Phil Jackson fires Knicks coaching staff

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson made the first big move of his tenure on Monday, relieving the team's coaching staff of their duties, the team's PR Twitter account announced.
 

That group is led by head coach Mike Woodson, who was in charge for two and a half seasons, following an interim stint to fill the gap left by Mike D'Antoni's resignation during the 2011-12 season.

In a statement on the Knicks' website, Jackson is quoted as saying, “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Mike Woodson and his entire staff. 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.

“Everyone in this franchise owes a great deal of gratitude to what Mike and his staff have done. We wish him the best.”

A year later, Woodson piloted the Knicks to a first-place finish in the Atlantic division, with a 54-28 record. However, the Knicks fell in six games to the Indiana Pacers in the second round. He was unable to replicate that success though, going 37-45 and missing the playoffs this season.

Jackson, who took over as president in March, is expected to bring in a coach who can implement the Triangle Offense he favored with the Chicago Bulls and the LA Lakers. - AMD, GMA News