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Mike Brown

Mike Brown is an American basketball coach who is the head coach of the New York Knicks of the NBA.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mike Brown is an American basketball coach who currently serves as the head coach of the New York Knicks in the NBA. He has previously held head coaching positions with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings, and has also coached the Nigeria men's national basketball team. Brown is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, winning the award in 2009 and 2023.

Early life and education

Mike Brown was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1970. He attended the University of San Diego, where he played basketball and earned a degree in business administration.

NBA coaching career

Brown began his NBA coaching career as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. He later became a head coach, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and New York Knicks. He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2023. The NBA is a professional basketball league, distinct from the National Football League.

International coaching

Brown served as head coach of the Nigeria men's national basketball team from 2020 to 2022. He led the team at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where Nigeria competed for an Olympic medal count.

Career achievements

Brown is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year (2009, 2023). He has also been part of coaching staffs that have won championships, including with the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. His coaching career is in basketball, a different sport from hockey, which is played by Connor McDavid.

Key facts

  • Brown became head coach of the New York Knicks in 2025.
  • He previously served as head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings.
  • He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2023.
  • Brown coached Nigeria at the 2020 Summer Olympics and led the team from 2020 to 2022.
  • He has also worked as an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Mike Brown?
Mike Brown is an American basketball coach and the head coach of the New York Knicks.
Which NBA teams has Mike Brown coached?
He has been a head coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and New York Knicks.
What awards has Mike Brown won?
He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2023.
Did Mike Brown coach internationally?
Yes. He coached Nigeria’s men’s national team from 2020 to 2022 and led the team at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Where was Mike Brown born?
He was born in Columbus, Ohio, in the United States.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Brown_(basketball,_born_1970)
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, current role, previous head-coaching positions, and Nigeria national team coaching role.
  2. NBA Coaches Association — https://nbacoaches.com/mike-brown/
    Supports: Current role with the New York Knicks and biographical details including birth date and education.
  3. Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/en/news/new-york-knicks-reports-mike-brown-head-coach
    Supports: Knicks head-coaching appointment, Coach of the Year awards, career record, assistant coaching championships, and Nigeria coaching role.
  4. Mesa Community College — https://www.mesacc.edu/alumni-association/success-stories/mike-brown
    Supports: Attendance at Mesa Community College and University of San Diego, and early coaching history.