Ime Udoka gets Rockets contract extension after Knicks interest

Not only did the Rockets deny the Knicks’ request to interview head coach Ime Udoka, they’ve now secured him for the foreseeable future.

He agreed to a long-term contract extension that makes him one of the NBA’s highest-paid coaches, ESPN reported Thursday.

The Knicks asked for permission to speak with Udoka earlier this month for their head coaching vacancy after firing Tom Thibodeau.

Udoka just completed his second season with the Rockets, leading them to a 52-30 record as part of a dramatic turnaround for the franchise under his tutelage.

The Knicks have requested and been denied permission to interview a number of coaches who are currently under contract, including the Mavericks with Jason Kidd, the Timberwolves with Chris Finch, the Bulls with Billy Donovan and the Hawks with Quin Snyder.

Ime Udoka signed a contract extension with the Rockets. Getty Images

Kidd is seeking a contract extension, and the Knicks’ pursuit of him is not yet over, The Post’s Stefan Bondy previously reported.

In terms of coaches that are actually available and not currently employed, the Knicks interviewed Taylor Jenkins and Mike Brown this week, Bondy confirmed.

Jenkins was fired by the Grizzlies midseason, while the Kings parted ways with Brown midseason.

The Knicks axed Thibodeau earlier this month after five seasons, despite him leading the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years.

The Knicks fired Tom Thibodeau after five seasons in June 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

“Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement at the time. “This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in another direction.”