All spring, the Knicks appeared to be trending toward hiring Steve Kerr as coach. Phil Jackson even said Kerr verbally agreed to coach the Knicks, which Kerr didnt deny. But just as a deal seemed near, Kerr filled the Warriors coaching vacancy.
What happened?
Kerr reportedly sought a five-year, $30 million contract. The Knicks reportedly offered a three-year, $13.2 million contract, because Kerr had no coaching experience. New York added a fourth guaranteed season, but the door was already opened for the Warriors, who reportedly gave Kerr a four-year, $22 million contract.
Then, after all that trouble with Jacksons top candidate, the Knicks wound up giving Derek Fisher another rookie coach five years and $25 million.
Again: What happened?
James Dolan happened.
After promising not to meddle anymore, the Knicks owner reportedly submarined Jacksons attempts to land Kerr.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News:
Why on earth would Dolan open the bank for Jackson yet play hardball with Jacksons recommendation to become head coach?
The answer most likely has something to do with Kerr having serious reservations about working for Dolan. So much so that Kerr called former and current employees to do a background check on his potential boss. That information got back to Dolan, who was not too thrilled about hiring the broadcasting partner of Marv Albert, one of many sworn enemies of MSG. The low ball offer, Dolans presence and a better team in Golden State made Kerrs decision an easy one.
If this seems petty and unreasonable
well, yeah. Dolan has a long track record of being petty and unreasonable.
Albert did speak poorly of Dolan to Kerr, but its completely reasonable for a prospective employee (especially one with multiple job offers) to research his potential boss (especially one with a record as poor as Dolans). Dolan shouldnt be so sensitive about this.