Knicks hiring 53-year-old former 76ers coach to help Mike Brown

The New York Knicks are reportedly adding an experienced coach to the mix before the 2025-26 season. 

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the organization is preparing to hire a former Philadelphia 76ers coach to assist Mike Brown.

“Knicks are expected to hire St. Joe’s head coach Billy Lange to oversee NYK player development,” Begley reported Wednesday. “Lange has won at St. Joe’s, has coached at Villanova under Jay Wright.”

“He was an assistant in Philly for several years during The Process, overseeing player development there and being involved in the offense.”

It’s challenging to ignore Begley’s coaching experience at various levels. From enjoying two stints with Villanova (one as an associate head coach and one as an assistant) to serving as an assistant head coach with the 76ers for six years, Begley is far from a rookie. 

The Haddon Heights, New Jersey native also spent time with the Jefferson Rams, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Navy, and Saint Joseph’s. 

Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Regarding accolades, Begley is a two-time Skyline Conference regular season champion, 2001 Skyline Conference tournament champion, and 2008 Patriot League Coach of the Year. 

It’s also worth noting the 76ers were ridiculously close to reaching the Eastern Conference Finals with Begley as a valuable assistant (Kawhi Leonard drilled a last-second jumper to propel the Toronto Raptors to a 4-3 second-round series victory). 

Begley’s track record suggests he’ll positively impact the Knicks’ surging organization.

More NBA: Knicks sign 6-foot-4 sharpshooter, former first-round pick to assist Jalen Brunson