New York Knicks team president, Phil Jackson, announced the end of Mike Woodson's stint as the team's head coach on Monday. The president further explained that the decision was brought about by the team's lost chance at the NBA playoffs.

Woodson brought in glorious days for the Knicks, with the record of 109-79 in three seasons. Under Woodson's leadership, the team qualified for the playoffs twice. However, those glorious days were short-lived as the team dived into 37-45 during the latest season. Worse, the team missed its chance to play at the Eastern Conference playoff, losing the spot to Atlanta.

Jackson emphasized that his respect and admiration for Woodson and his staff still remained high, despite the decision. He further acknowledged that the accountability for the tough 2013-2014 season of the team could not just be placed on the shoulders of one individual. He cited the decision as one of the moves "for change to assess and build up the team for the coming season."

Although no final announcement has been made yet as to the replacement for Woodson, the firing of Woodson could be an open invitation for Steve Kerr to take charge. Kerr played under three of the six championship teams with Chicago that Jackson has previously coached before he was brought in to Knicks. His familiarity with the triangle offense, which has remained to be Jackson's favorite, could be an advantage this time.

The ouster of Woodson and the welcoming of whoever will replace him could be critical. It could spell the difference between retaining its star playmaker, Carmelo Anthony, and losing him to another club with a better chance of bagging the championship.

Meanwhile, Jackson was also a former coach for 11 NBA championship teams. In March this year, he was called in by the Knicks owners to take over and rebuild the team.