Steve Kerr: Knicks Rejection 'Agonizing' Because Of Phil Jackson! Coaching The Warriors Was 'Right Choice On Many Levels!'

Steve Kerr was almost certain to join his mentor with the New York Knicks. Even the Warriors have given up-but the first surprise of the coaching carousel, and the first test of Phil Jackson's mojo came with an unexpected outcome.

Phil Jackson doesn't fail a lot. Having more championship rings than your fingers can hold gives that impression. It is the kind of winning form that the New York Knicks need on their team.

It may not be enough.

Steve Kerr's decision has been an object of discussion since the Warriors fired Mark Jackson as head coach. Sure, the ties are strong between Phil and his shooter, but the Warriors gig is obviously the easier job with a bigger chance for success.

Kerr stated the reasons for his decision: "It just felt like the right move on many levels. They have a good young team. The location is ideal. My daughter goes to Cal and plays volleyball. My oldest son is in college in San Diego and our youngest is a junior in high school. It's just a short flight for them."

Kerr is not as old as Phil Jackson for distance to be a factor-and it's not like he's not a traveling man as a TNT analyst.

"It was so tantalizing on many levels. Number one, Phil Jackson. Number two, the Knicks are a flagship franchise, one of the great franchises in the league. The last two weeks have been agonizing, in talking with Phil and (general manager) Steve Mills. They've got really good people there and I do think they're going to get it turned around there. The Knicks could not have been better in giving me the space to make a decision, especially when I had a game to do every other night."

Kerr does not say anything about the roster, though.

"Ultimately, it was agonizing to say no to Phil because of what I think of him and what he's done for my career. When Phil Jackson asks you to coach the Knicks, how do you say no? I think they're going to turn it around, but going to be a big undertaking and it's going to take time. The idea of doing that 3,000 miles from home, it just didn't feel right."

"I told Phil, 'I think I have to pursue this other opportunity. He gave me his blessing. He said go look at it, and do what was in my heart."

In the most diplomatic way possible, Steve Kerr did say "no." We can't really blame him-the Knicks are practically looking for a scapegoat. Phil Jackson's job just got a whole lot harder.

Of course, there are other coaches who would not balk at the chance to coach in the Big Apple, but if you can't attract your former protégé as a coach, how do you attract marquee free agents?