http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/sto...ching-job-interested-coaching-new-york-knicks Patrick Ewing eyes head coaching job Spoiler <cite class="source">By Ian O'Connor | ESPNNewYork.com </cite>In the event New York Knicks management decides against retaining interim head coach Mike Woodson in the summer, Patrick Ewing would be interested in returning home. “ I played here. I know the ins and outs of New York, the media, the fans. ” <cite>-- Patrick Ewing</cite> The former Knicks great and current Orlando Magic assistant said before Wednesday night's game at Madison Square Garden that he's ready and eager to have a team to call his own. But he also believes Woodson is doing an "outstanding job" since taking over for Mike D'Antoni. "I'd be interested in any job, but this is home, naturally," Ewing told ESPNNewYork.com. "I still have my place here (in New Jersey), and I'd love to interview for any job, here or anywhere. "I played here. I know the ins and outs of New York, the media, the fans." Ewing laughed when he mentioned the fans. He was respected and admired as a Knick, but not necessarily beloved. If Ewing ever won the championship as a coach he didn't win as a player, that would change. "I think I've paid my dues," said Ewing, who was given a standing ovation when his image was shown on the Garden scoreboard during a second-quarter timeout. "I've been an assistant coach for eight, going on nine years, and I'd love to have an opportunity to get an interview. "I've put in the work. I've learned from a lot of very good coaches in Stan (Van Gundy), Jeff (Van Gundy), and Doug Collins, and I've played for a lot of great coaches. All I need is an opportunity, and once I get that opportunity, hopefully I'll be successful." Ewing's former boss at the Garden, Dave Checketts, helped land him an interview with Detroit when Checketts served as a Pistons consultant on a search that ended in Lawrence Frank's hiring. Ewing often bristles when asked if he's been unfairly branded as a big man specialist. "I can coach anybody," he said. "Jeff worked with me when he was an assistant coach, and was he a big man's coach? "Both Jeff and Stan have done a good job of fighting (for) my cause, and I got that opportunity to interview in Detroit this year. I got my foot in the door, and hopefully I'll get a lot more chances."
this is not news, he has been vying for a job for years. I think mchale and rambis are guys who broke the ground with big men being head coaches, but not sure if patrick had the playing style that was 'creative' so that people feel he could adapt to coaching different players. But you never know what type of game plan and philosophy he has.
The Knicks aren't interested in Ewing and he knows it, which is why the public comments to put pressure on them (which will actually make the Knicks less likely to hire him). Reminds me of the VY hints of playing for the Texans. People that actually have a chance of getting hired/signed don't lobby in public.
Ewing will be lucky to get a HC job anywhere let alone a big market team currently in the playoff race with a good interim coach in Woodson. As far as having NY fans love him? from what i can see, they seem pretty split and very few of them would want him coaching. there seems to be a large number of them clamoring for (aside from the obvious Phil Jackson) JVG although it seems Woodson can get the job done.
Hes been trying to do it for years and gets knocked back every time, then he gets upset cause he thinks he deserves it. Its a repetitive circle.
I think Pat needs to coach a team with a dominant center. Chandler is great defensively, but he isn't someone you throw the ball to and say go to work. I feel Pats best bet is to coach a team with his strengths. SVG.
