Mark Jackson would be the coach of the Knicks right now if Mike D'Antoni hadn't quickly left the Suns two years ago.

Jackson had actually begun assembling a coaching staff before Knicks president Donnie Walsh opted to go with the more experienced D'Antoni.

He finished as the runner-up again last offseason when the Timberwolves went with Kurt Rambis.

There are a number of coaching vacancies this offseason and Jackson is hoping to finally find a home.

His name has been linked to the Clippers.

"Mark, as everyone knows, has a strong desire to be a head coach," says Steven Kauffmann, Jackson's agent. "If the Clippers are interested that would absolutely be an ideal situation. They have a good roster and will be a very competitive team for years to come. It's a great place for Mark to being his coaching career."