Knicks Bring In Billy Lange to Oversee Player Development
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The New York Knicks have hired Saint Joseph’s head coach Billy Lange to run the franchise’s player development program, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.
According to the New York Post, Lange will not be listed as an assistant coach and will not take a seat on head coach Mike Brown’s bench. Instead, the 52-year-old will focus exclusively on guiding the team’s player improvement initiatives.
Extensive Background in Talent Growth
Lange held a similar role with the Philadelphia 76ers from 2013 to 2019 before taking over at Saint Joseph’s. Over six seasons with the Hawks, he compiled an 81-104 record, surpassing 20 wins in each of the last two years. His tenure included back-to-back National Invitation Tournament appearances in 2024 and 2025 and the development of forward Rasheer Fleming, selected with the first pick of the 2025 NBA Draft’s second round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“Coach Lange guided our program with integrity, energy and a focus on developing exceptional student-athletes,” Saint Joseph’s president Cheryl A. McConnell said in a statement announcing his departure.
Saint Joseph’s Moves Forward
The university promoted associate head coach Steve Donahue to lead the Hawks beginning with the 2025-26 campaign. “He is a rare and accomplished coach who is as respected for his basketball acumen as he is for his character,” athletic director Jill Bodensteiner said.
Knicks Staff Taking Shape
Lange joins a retooled Knicks coaching group assembled since Brown replaced Tom Thibodeau in July. Holdovers and expected assistants include Brendan O’Connor, Rick Brunson, Darren Erman, Mo Cheeks, and Jordan Brink, while former Charlotte Hornets assistant Chris Jent and ex-G League Birmingham Squadron head coach T.J. Saint have also come aboard.
New York opens the 2025-26 season at Madison Square Garden against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Source: Basketball Insiders
