Phil Jackson Signs With Knicks

The +New York Knicks has chosen +Phil Jackson as their head coach. Phil Jackson signed on to become president of the New York Knicks after a lunch meeting with team officials. Todd Musburger, Jackson’s Chicago-based agent, was in Los Angeles to finalize the contract with Jackson and Knicks officials, according to sources. Jackson’s deal is expected to pay him $12 million a year.

Jackson, who has won a record 11 NBA championships as coach of the Lakers and Bulls and two as a Knicks player, likely will spend significant time in New York but also retain his time in Los Angeles. Jackson will take over the running of the Knicks’ basketball operations department from president and general manager Steve Mills. A source said earlier this week that Mills will remain an integral part of the organization.

While there was significant interest in bringing him back to the Lakers in some capacity, it never reached a level where Jackson’s representatives were formally contacted, as it was clear to all involved that the Lakers would not offer a role that offered nearly as much power as the Knicks did.