New York Knicks Add College Coach billy Lange to Staff,Name Steve Donahue New Head Coach at Saint Joseph’s
The New York knicks are bolstering their coaching ranks with a familiar face in college basketball. Sources indicate the team is set to hire Saint Joseph’s head coach Billy Lange for a yet-to-be-defined role within the franchise. This move comes as the knicks continue to reshape their coaching staff under recently appointed head coach Mike Brown.
Lange concluded his sixth season leading the Hawks, compiling an 81-104 record. However, his recent success – exceeding 20 wins in both the 2024 and 2025 seasons – clearly caught the attention of the Knicks institution.
He guided Saint Joseph’s to NIT appearances in both 2024 and 2025. Furthermore, Lange oversaw the development of Rasheer Fleming, who became the program’s first NBA draft pick since 2016. Fleming was selected in the second round by the oklahoma City Thunder this past June.
Before returning to St.Joe’s in 2019, Lange spent six years as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers. His coaching resume also includes a seven-year tenure as head coach at Navy and multiple seasons as an assistant under Jay Wright at Villanova.
This hire follows the Knicks’ decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau in June.Brown, a two-time NBA Coach of the Year, was brought in a month later to lead the team.Meanwhile, at saint Joseph’s, a swift transition is underway. Steve Donahue, who joined the Hawks as associate head coach earlier this year, has been named the program’s next head coach.
The university announced Donahue will promptly assume leadership, guiding the team into the 2025-26 season and beyond. Athletic director Jill Bodensteiner praised Donahue’s extensive basketball experience and strong character.
Hear’s a quick look at Donahue’s background:
Proven Leader: He has a demonstrated track record of success in collegiate basketball.
East Coast Expertise: Donahue has significant experience coaching on the East Coast.
* Respected Figure: He is widely regarded for his basketball knowledge and integrity.In addition to Lange’s arrival, the Knicks have also added Chris Jent, a former assistant with the Charlotte Hornets, and T.J. Saint, previously the head coach of the G League’s Birmingham Squadron, to their coaching staff. Thes moves signal a clear effort to build a well-rounded and experienced team around Coach Brown as the Knicks prepare for the upcoming season.