Dawn Staley Reveals: She Would Accept to Coach the Knicks for a Bigger Reason

Dawn Staley Reveals Details of Her Interview with the Knicks

South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley revealed that she would have accepted the offer to coach the New York Knicks if it had been offered to her. Staley, who had a formal interview for the position, shared her reflections on the “Post Moves” podcast with WNBA star Aliyah Boston and former player Candace Parker.

“I would have had to do it. Not just for me. For the women. To open [that door],” Staley commented.

Dawn Staley

Staley, a member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, explained that the opportunity to coach the Knicks was significant, especially because of the importance of breaking barriers for women in sports.

The 55-year-old coach, who has led the Gamecocks to three national championships, felt well-prepared for the interview. However, she admitted that she may have hurt her chances by questioning the Knicks’ management about how hiring the first full-time female coach in the NBA would impact the organization.

“How, if they hired me as the first female [head] coach in the NBA, would it impact their daily work? Because I would,” Staley recounted about her questions during the interview.

Dawn Staley

Staley also noted that the arrival of a female coach would entail media attention and additional questions that male coaches do not face. Finally, the Knicks hired Mike Brown as head coach in early July.