Knicks Working on Woodson Contract Extension, Daily News Says

The New York Knicks began talks with interim coach Mike Woodson on taking the job full time after he rallied the franchise to a winning record and a playoff appearance, according to the New York Daily News.

The negotiations are in the preliminary stages “but it is clear that Madison Square Garden management is convinced Woodson is the right man for the job and will not pursue either Phil Jackson or Kentucky head coach John Calipari,” the Daily News said without citing a source.

The Knicks were 18-24, having lost six straight, when coach Mike D’Antoni resigned on March 14. Woodson took the helm and the team responded by winning the next five games and eight of nine. In 24 contests under Woodson, New York went 18-6 to finish the lockout-shortened regular season at 36-30, in second place in the Atlantic Division behind the Boston Celtics.

The Knicks trail the Miami Heat 3-1 in their best-of-seven opening-round playoff series. New York won the last game 89-87, snapping a National Basketball Association record 13-game postseason losing streak. Game 5 is tomorrow in Miami.

Woodson coached the Atlanta Hawks from 2004-05 to 2009-10, posting a 208-286 record while leading the franchise to the playoffs during his final three seasons.

To contact the reporter on this story: Mason Levinson in New York at mlevinson@bloomberg.net.

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Michael Sillup at msillup@bloomberg.net.

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New York Knocks' Mike Woodson

Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Head Coach Mike Woodson of the New York Knicks.

Head Coach Mike Woodson of the New York Knicks. Photographer: Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images