Phil Jackson gave Kurt Rambis a strong endorsement to return next season as head coach.

“I think he’s perfectly capable of doing that,” Jackson said when asked if he wants Rambis to be coaching the Knicks. “We’ve talked many times over the past four or five years about the obvious record that is created behind his coaching in Minnesota and that puts a black mark on his coaching ability at first glance.

“But he has a way of handling players. He’s relaxed, yet he has the ability to keep them focused on the important parts of it. He’s a defensive-oriented guy. I had him as my defensive coordinator for my teams in 2007, '08 and '09. And I think he has a real good handle on that part. So we’ll see how they go.”

Jackson gave no indication if he would start a coaching search in the offseason.

James Dolan would have to approve Jackson's choice for head coach.