Knicks Tab Ed Flynn as New Replay 'Challenge Guy'
Ed Flynn, formerly of the Pelicans, will take over the critical role of analyzing replays for challenges under head coach Mike Brown.
The New York Knicks have appointed Ed Flynn as their new "challenge guy," a crucial role focused on analyzing instant replays to decide whether to challenge officials' calls during games. Flynn, who spent the last three seasons as a video coordinator for the New Orleans Pelicans, steps into the position vacated by Jordan Brink.
Brink, who held the "challenge guy" role for the Knicks for the past two seasons, will join the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach under new head coach Tiago Splitter. Brink's tenure with the Knicks was marked by a strong success rate in challenges, including a pivotal recommendation during Game 2 of the NBA Finals that helped secure a victory. This challenge resulted in a turnover being overturned into three free throws for OG Anunoby with under three minutes remaining in a 105-104 win against the Spurs.
Brink's contract with the Knicks expired, and his move to the Bulls is considered a promotion, according to league sources. Before Brink, Scott King and Darren Erman previously served as the team's "challenge guys."
Flynn's official title with the Knicks will be assistant coach/special situations. His background includes playing for Williams College and serving as a graduate assistant at the University of Miami. He also worked as a video intern and coordinator for the Charlotte Hornets before joining the Pelicans. The Pelicans experienced significant staff changes after hiring head coach Jamahl Mosley in May.
The majority of the Knicks' coaching staff remains intact from the previous season, with top assistants Chris Jent, Rick Brunson, Brendan O'Connor, and Darren Erman all returning. Kwadzo Ahelegbe and Peter Patton, who have been recognized for their player development work, are also back with the team.