Report: Phil Jackson strongly considering keeping Rambis as Knicks' full-time coach

Despite the New York Knicks' late-season collapse, team president Phil Jackson is strongly considering replacing Kurt Rambis' interim tag and making him the team's full-time coach, ESPN's Marc Stein and Ian Begley report.

Jackson is reportedly pushing to sign Rambis to a multi-year deal - something that would come as a surprise to many fans considering his poor record (8-16) since taking over in February.

While Rambis' record may not appear worthy of a contract, Jackson has been open about the positive relationship he shares with Rambis - a connection he considers "much more tight" than the one he had with Derek Fisher.

Reports also surfaced back in March that Jackson hired Rambis with the intention of keeping him past this season - therefore he may be keeping him to avoid going back on his original plan.

Whatever the reason, Jackson could have a difficult time selling Rambis' extension to the Knicks' tired and championship-starved fan base.

If Rambis ends up earning a new contract, it would mark his second full-time gig, as he coached the Minnesota Timberwolves during a two-year stint from 2009-11.