Phil Jackson won two championship rings with the New York Knicks as a player. He hopes to add to his gaudy jewelry collection as a Knicks executive.
The New York Knicks announced the hiring of Phil Jackson, 67, at a Madison Square Garden press conference earlier today. The Zen Master will find tranquility in a $12 million a year salary. The contract calls for five years. Jackson will serve as the team’s president but will enjoy the autonomy of a czar. This includes the Knicks allowing Jackson to run the team partly from his West Coast home, which he shares with his fiancee, Lakers co-owner Jeanie Buss.
“I started my career as a Knick, and know what it feels like to win in this great city,” Jackson said at the event. “I take the task of helping to deliver a winning team to our fans seriously, and look forward to combining my vision of the game with Steve Mills’ abilities as a General Manager.”
The Knicks have compiled a disappointing 27-40 record this season, which puts them four games behind Atlanta for the final playoff seed. The Knicks host the Eastern Conference leading Pacers tonight.