Phil Jackson: Rambis to remain Knicks coach for rest of season

New York Knicks president Phil Jackson told reporters Monday that - after firing Derek Fisher earlier in the day - interim head coach Kurt Rambis will hold the position for the rest of the season.

Jackson said the decision to remove Fisher after only 1 1/2 seasons on the job came after discussions with Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan on Sunday night. The Knicks had just dropped their fifth straight game, and nine of their last 10 overall.

"This was my decision," Jackson said. "We're in a business of winning."

Jackson told media the dismissal was not related to Fisher's involvement in an offseason altercation with former friend and Memphis Grizzlies forward Matt Barnes. Fisher was reportedly dating Barnes' estranged wife.

The Knicks are in danger of their season slipping away. A somewhat pleasant surprise early, they've gone 3-11 since last reaching the .500 mark on Jan. 12. Carmelo Anthony is again fighting left knee issues, and New York has fallen out of the top eight in the Eastern Conference.

Jackson added that whoever eventually becomes the permanent head coach will need to have some familiarity with his sacred triangle offense.

"It's not paramount, but it's important," Jackson said.

While big name candidate Tom Thibodeau was attached in terms of interest almost immediately, a Jackson disciple such as Luke Walton or Brian Shaw may be more on the Knicks' radar. Both have been linked to the job as well.

Either way, Jackson said he is not soliciting anyone at the present time with Rambis set to finish the season.