New York Knicks Nearing Decision on 12-Year LA Clippers Coach

The New Yorks Knicks are reportedly close to signing a longtime LA Clippers coach from Ty Lue's staff

Apr 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets during game two of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

For over a decade, the LA Clippers have had one of the most consistent coaching rosters in the NBA. Transitioning from Doc Rivers to Ty Lue, the team kept the coaching staff in the family.

While some coaches have come and gone throughout the process, it looks like the team may be losing another one soon. According to Frank Isola of the YES Network, longtime Clippers coach Brendan O'Connor is close to signing with the New York Knicks to join Mike Brown's coaching staff.

"Knicks and Mike Brown closing in on a deal with Clippers assistant coach Brendan O’Connor, according to a source. O’Connor worked as a Knicks assistant under Larry Brown and has close ties to Knicks executive William Wesley," Isola said.

Knicks and Mike Brown closing in on a deal with Clippers assistant coach Brendan O’Connor, according to a source. O’Connor worked as a Knicks assistant under Larry Brown and has close ties to Knicks executive William Wesley.

— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) July 31, 2025

Brendan O'Connor's Longevity With the LA Clippers

O'Connor has been a member of the LA Clippers coaching staff since the 2013 NBA season. While he's had stops with the Brooklyn Nets and the Detroit Pistons, the assistant coach has been with the Clippers for 12 straight seasons. O'Connor has been a member of both Doc Rivers and Tyronn Lue's coaching staff.

Apr 24, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue watches game action against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of game three in the first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

If there's one thing that the LA Clippers proved last season, it's how important their entire coaching staff has been for the team. No one expected a Clippers team without Paul George to suddenly finish last season as the fifth seed, but it was a massive credit to their coaching staff. The entire team bought in, and that's something very rare in the NBA.

While O'Connor is just an assistant coach with the Clippers, he's been one of the most consistent and recognizable voices on the team. The impact of just one coach can be no better illustrated than when the Clippers added Jeff Van Gundy last season.

Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy gestures during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images | Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

The LA Clippers' Veteran Leadership

Even though the LA Clippers may have a slight coaching shakeup, the team should be poised to handle any situation. As it stands, the LA Clippers have the oldest roster in NBA history, with a team that includes: Chris Paul, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, Nicolas Batum, and Brook Lopez.

The Clippers officially have the oldest team in NBA history 😳

With an average age of 33.2 years old, the Clippers surpassed the 2000-2001 Utah Jazz for fielding the oldest team ever, according to Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine of Yahoo! Sports.

And how did the 00-01 Jazz do?… pic.twitter.com/jU3RqFZQ3N

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 30, 2025

Last season, there were no expectations on the LA Clippers as they entered a limbo year without Paul George. Now that the team has proven they can be a very capable squad and added some very solid pieces, that won't be the expectation next season. Critics will be watching the LA Clippers.