Coaching legend Phil Jackson, the only person to have coached 11 championship teams in the NBA, is leaning toward accepting the New York Knicks' front-office offer 'if the structure is right' according to a source of CBSSports.com.
Jackson, who won titles with the Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers as a coach and two other rings as a player with the Knicks, is believed to be close to accepting the offer. According to the source, Knicks executives Steve Mills and Allan Houston will be on charge of day-to-day operations and will report directly to Jackson.
The 11-time champion coach has repeatedly stated that he is no longer interested in coaching. However, league source indicated that Jackson's dream set-up could be difficult to realize given the complicated corporate structure of the franchise and domineering influence of owner James Dolan.
Another league source told CBSSports.com that Jackson's role would be 'a very expensive consultant who would have final say.'
According to CBSSports, Jackson could play a role that Pat Riley has done with the Heat in the past few years which is to attract free agents. He can also provide leadership to a team that has become one of the most disappointing this season. The Knicks have several issues to face in the off-season including the expected free agency of star Carmelo Anthony.
Jackson has declared his interest to move to a front-office position. He was to head the basketball operations for the Kings franchise had the move to Seattle transpired last year. He was also an advisor for the Detroit Pistons this year.
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