What Happened to Eric Daniel "Rick" Brunson?
Rick Brunson is an American professional basketball coach and former player, currently serving as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks. After a nine-season NBA playing career, he transitioned to coaching, holding various assistant roles before joining the Knicks in 2022, where he coaches alongside his son, star guard Jalen Brunson. As of May 2026, his role with the Knicks has been reduced under new head coach Mike Brown, following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau.
Quick Answer
Rick Brunson is currently an assistant coach for the New York Knicks, a position he has held since June 2022. He coaches alongside his son, Jalen Brunson, the team's star point guard. Following the hiring of new head coach Mike Brown in July 2025, Brunson's role on the coaching staff was reduced, though he remains with the organization to provide continuity and support. He continues to be an active part of the Knicks' coaching staff as of May 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Born in Syracuse, New York
Eric Daniel 'Rick' Brunson was born in Syracuse, New York.
College Basketball at Temple University
Brunson played college basketball for the Temple Owls, where he was a standout guard.
Undrafted in NBA Draft
Despite a strong college career, Rick Brunson was not selected in the 1995 NBA draft.
NBA Debut
Brunson made his NBA debut, beginning a nine-season career in the league.
Joins New York Knicks as Player
Brunson signed with the New York Knicks and was a member of the team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
Retires from NBA Playing Career
After playing for eight different NBA franchises over nine seasons, Rick Brunson retired from his professional playing career.
Begins NBA Coaching Career with Denver Nuggets
Brunson started his coaching career as an assistant coach focusing on player development for the Denver Nuggets.
Acquitted of Sexual Assault Charges
Brunson was acquitted of aggravated battery and criminal sexual assault charges that had been filed against him in 2014.
Resigns from Minnesota Timberwolves Amidst Allegations
Brunson resigned from his assistant coach position with the Minnesota Timberwolves following allegations of improper interactions and unwanted advances toward women.
Head Coach at Camden High School
Brunson took on the role of head coach at Camden High School in New Jersey, coaching top recruit Dajuan Wagner Jr.
Hired as Assistant Coach for New York Knicks
Rick Brunson was hired as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks, reuniting him with head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Son Jalen Brunson Signs with New York Knicks
Rick Brunson's son, Jalen Brunson, signed a four-year, $104 million contract with the New York Knicks, joining his father on the team.
Role Reduced Under New Knicks Head Coach Mike Brown
Following the hiring of Mike Brown as the new Knicks head coach, Rick Brunson's role on the coaching staff was reduced to give Brown more control and address perceptions of conflict of interest.
Public Confrontation with Jalen Brunson During Playoffs
A public, yet respectful, confrontation between Rick and Jalen Brunson occurred during Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs, highlighting their competitive father-son dynamic.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Eric Daniel "Rick" Brunson, born on June 14, 1972, carved out a notable career first as an NBA player and later as a respected coach. Undrafted in the 1995 NBA draft, Brunson played nine seasons in the league for eight different franchises, including a stint with the New York Knicks, where he was part of the 1999 Eastern Conference championship team. His playing career, though marked by frequent team changes, instilled in him a deep understanding of the professional basketball landscape.
Following his retirement as a player in 2006, Brunson transitioned to coaching, beginning as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets in 2007. He subsequently held assistant coaching positions with the Hartford Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Bobcats, and Minnesota Timberwolves. A significant turning point in his coaching journey occurred in May 2018 when he resigned from his assistant role with the Minnesota Timberwolves amidst allegations of improper conduct toward women. Prior to this, in 2014, he faced sexual assault charges, of which he was acquitted in 2015.
After a period coaching at Camden High School from 2019 to 2022, Brunson made his return to the NBA coaching ranks in June 2022, joining the New York Knicks as an assistant coach. This move was particularly notable as his son, Jalen Brunson, a highly sought-after free agent, signed with the Knicks just a month later in July 2022. The father-son duo's presence on the same team, with Rick coaching Jalen, became a compelling narrative for the franchise. Rick Brunson had previously coached under Tom Thibodeau with both the Bulls and Timberwolves, continuing their long-standing partnership with the Knicks.
The most recent developments in Brunson's career occurred in the summer of 2025. Following the dismissal of head coach Tom Thibodeau in June 2025 and the subsequent hiring of Mike Brown as the new head coach in July 2025, Rick Brunson's role on the Knicks' coaching staff was reduced. This decision was reportedly made to give Coach Brown more control over his staff and to address any perceptions of conflict of interest stemming from the star player's father holding a prominent assistant role. Despite the reduced responsibilities, Brunson is expected to remain with the organization, maintaining continuity and his close connection with his son. As of May 24, 2026, he continues to serve as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Eric Daniel "Rick" Brunson made different choices?