Mark Jackson won't limit return to coaching to just Knicks

Mark Jackson is aware of the rumors about his candidacy to become the New York Knicks' next head coach, but the ESPN analyst won't limit his return to the sidelines to solely his former team.

"Obviously I hear the chatter, and it's appreciated," Jackson said on ESPN's "First Take" this week. "But I will say this: there are 30 NBA jobs, so I don't minimize myself to one. I look forward to one day coaching again. It's a dream of mine."

The Knicks drafted Jackson 18th overall in 1987. The St. John's product averaged 12.1 points, 8.3 assists, four rebounds, and 1.6 steals during his first five seasons, making the All-Star team in 1989. He later returned to the organization toward the end of his career for a season-and-a-half run starting in 2001.

Jackson became the Golden State Warriors' head coach in 2011. The team went 121-109 (.526) during his tenure and made the postseason in his last two campaigns with the team. However, Golden State fired him in May 2014, and Steve Kerr took over the coaching reins of the soon-to-be dynasty.

"As far as I'm concerned, I look forward to the day of coaching again," Jackson said. "I had an incredible time in Golden State, coaching for three years, developing incredible relationships, and having some success. And I look forward to the challenge of doing it once again somewhere."

Mike Miller was appointed the Knicks' interim head coach following the dismissal of David Fizdale in December 2019. The team went 17-27 (.386) under the former assistant before the hiatus on March 11 due to the coronavirus pandemic.