Lon Kruger is expected to be named to Don Chaney's coaching staff this week, according to a league source.

The Knicks declined to comment on Kruger's status yesterday but a person close to the former Atlanta Hawks head coach said Kruger would be in New York today to begin house-hunting.

Kruger coached 2-1/2 seasons in Atlanta and was 70-122 before being fired in December. At the University of Illinois, Kruger recruited Knicks point guard Frank Williams and coached Williams for one season.

Kruger would join a staff that includes former head coach Brendan Malone. The Knicks' objective during their drawn-out coaching search was to hire former head coaches. Dave Cowens, Terry Stotts, Dennis Johnson and K.C. Jones were also interviewed. It is possible former Knick John Starks could join Chaney's staff as coaching associate, filling the role vacated when Michael Malone was promoted to advance scout.