There was a time when a pro sports coaching opening in New York-New Jersey was a magnet for top candidates of all varieties.
They came from everywhere. Young coaches with big ambitions; middle-of-the-road assistants searching for their big shot, and experienced, top-of-the-line coaches who've already made their mark in their sports.
That's all changed.
As the New York Knicks firing of David Fizdale is beginning to prove, premier coaching candidates don't have New York-New Jersey at the top of their wish lists anymore.
Consider this: with Fizdale out, the coach with the most seniority in our area is Kenny Atkinson of the Brooklyn Nets.
And he's been on the Brooklyn sideline for just 3{ seasons.
Look around: besides Aaron Boone, who's done everything but win a World Series in his two seasons as New York Yankees manager; Atkinson, who's patiently implementing the Nets' blueprint for success; and Barry Trotz of the New York Islanders, who has a Stanley Cup title on his resume, there's not much to choose from.
The Knicks and New Jersey Devils currently have interim coaches; the New York Giants and New York Jets have Pat Shurmur and Adam Gase, coaches with more losses than victories.
The New York Mets have Carlos Beltran, a manager who's yet to make out a lineup card; and the New York Rangers have David Quinn, who is in his second year and still learning the ropes. In soccer, Chris Armas is in his second season as New York Red Bulls' coach and New York City FC is looking for a coach.
Oh, for the days of Red Holzman, Pat Riley, Kevin Loughery, Joe Torre, Davey Johnson, Bill Parcells and Tom Coughlin.
Let's explore the recent factors that might be scaring off the better coaches from moving here:
