The New York Knicks are making strategic moves to strengthen their coaching staff by bringing in Billy Lange, the current head coach of Saint Joseph's University, according to sources close to ESPN. Lange, who has been at the helm of the Hawks for six seasons, is expected to join the Knicks in a significant assistant coaching role.

Lange's Coaching Journey

Lange has a rich history in basketball coaching, having led the Hawks to the NIT in both 2024 and 2025. Under his guidance, Rasheer Fleming became the first Saint Joseph's player to be drafted into the NBA since 2016, being picked by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft.

Before his tenure at Saint Joseph's, Lange spent six years as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers. He also served as the head coach at Navy for seven seasons and had two separate stints as an assistant under Jay Wright at Villanova, totaling five years.

Knicks' Coaching Overhaul

The Knicks have been actively reshaping their coaching staff since parting ways with Tom Thibodeau in June 2025. They swiftly appointed Mike Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, as their new head coach. The addition of Lange follows other notable hires, including Chris Jent, former assistant coach of the Charlotte Hornets, and T.J. Saint, who was the head coach of the G League's Birmingham Squadron.

Impact on the Knicks

Lange's extensive experience and proven track record in developing talent are expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Knicks' coaching strategy. His ability to nurture players like Fleming highlights his potential to contribute significantly to the Knicks' future success.

Looking Ahead

As the Knicks continue to build a robust coaching team, the addition of Lange is seen as a pivotal step towards achieving their goals in the upcoming seasons. Fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how this new dynamic influences the team's performance on the court.