NBA

New York Knicks assistant coach Chris Jent takes leave of absence

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 28, 2026, 06:51 IST

New York Knicks assistant coach Chris Jent has stepped away from the team for an undisclosed period of time, citing personal reasons. The 56-year-old joined the staff following a tenure with the Charlotte Hornets.

New York Knicks assistant coach Chris Jent takes leave of absence

The New York Knicks will be operating without assistant coach Chris Jent for the foreseeable future. The 56-year-old has officially stepped away from his duties with the organization to attend to personal matters, according to reports confirmed on Tuesday.

While the duration of his absence remains undisclosed, the news marks a significant change to the coaching staff during the current campaign. Jent, who brings extensive experience to the bench, had been integrated into the team's operations following his most recent role in the league.

A veteran presence on the sidelines

Jent’s departure comes after he joined the Knicks' coaching ranks following a stint with the Charlotte Hornets during the 2024-25 season. His career in the NBA has been defined by various roles across several organizations, showcasing a deep background in player development and tactical support.

Before his time in Charlotte, Jent was a key member of Mike Brown’s coaching staff in Cleveland. His coaching resume also includes a notable period as an interim head coach for the Orlando Magic, where he managed the team for 18 games during the 2004-05 season. Beyond his professional coaching career, Jent is also remembered for his collegiate playing days at Ohio State, where he competed from 1988 to 1992.