The New York Knicks are close to officially missing the playoffs for the third straight season. The Knicks still need to find a permanent new head coach next season that properly execute Phil Jackson's triangle offense.

One of the candidates is the current interim head coach, Kurt Rambis, but Jackson is unhappy with the Knicks' record since he took over from Derek Fisher. There was also the rumor of "The Zen Master" returning to coaching the Knicks next season.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that Jackson could end up coaching home games next year with Rambis taking over road games. However, Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony killed that rumor on Tuesday when he said that the 70-year-old team president will not be returning to the sidelines drawing up plays.

Phil's Not Coaching

"Phil ain't coaching no more man. So let's dead that rumor. Phil ain't coaching no more," Anthony said. Jackson has said that the team will still build around the 31-year-old forward as long as he wants to since he has a no-trade clause in his contract.

"I don't think he's thinking about coming back down on the sideline. I hope not. Let him ride on out. Let him sit out and be the president," he added. Rambis also said that Jackson has not given any hints regarding a comeback to coaching.

"Coaching's a grind, and I don't see him. He's never given me an indication that he wants to," Rambis said. So besides the former Laker and current interim head coach, who are the candidates to coach in New York next season?

David Blatt

The head coach that was fired for having the best record in the Eastern Conference is one of the leading candidates to have a new team next year. Blatt and Knicks general manager Steve Mills were teammates in Princeton and could factor into the decision this summer.

Scott Brooks

The former Oklahoma City Thunder coach is rumored to be a key factor if the Knicks wants to sign Kevin Durant in free agency. "KD" developed his game under the guidance of Brooks and there is a possibility of a reunion at the Big Apple.

Brian Shaw and Luke Walton

Both coaches played under Jackson and won titles with his triangle offense. The 11-time champion coach would prefer someone who can run his plays. Walton was very impressive filling in for Steve Kerr this season while Shaw was fired by the Denver Nuggets last season.

Related