Report: Isiah set to fire Chaney

The New York Daily News is reporting that Mike Fratello could be the new coach of the Knicks, possibly as soon as after Wednesday’s game against the Magic.

Chaney has guided the Knicks to just a 15-24 mark this season and a 72-112 record since taking over for Jeff Van Gundy on December 10, 2001. He has come under heavy scrutiny of late and has been serenaded by fans at home with loud chants of "fire Chaney."

If all goes as planned, Fratello, who is a New Jersey product and a former Knicks assistant under Hubie Brown 20 years ago, will coach his first game on Friday against Seattle.

The plan to install Fratello also includes moving special assistant Mark Aguirre to the bench. Aguirre has been with the team since December 29, evaluating players and helping with coaching after practices. The status of Chaney’s assistant coaches — Brendan Malone, Lon Kruger, Michael Malone and Herb Williams — is unclear.

Fratello, who is currently a broadcaster for several networks, has 14 years of head coaching experience in the NBA with Atlanta and Cleveland, but hasn’t coached since guiding the Cavaliers in 1998-99. He garnered Coach of the Year honors after the Hawks posted a 50-32 record in 1985-86.

Chaney, who joined the Knicks’ coaching staff in August 1995, is in his fourth head coaching stint. He won NBA Coach of the Year honors by leading the 1990-91 Houston Rockets to a 52-30 mark.

Chaney wore an NBA uniform for 11 years and was part of two NBA championships as a member of the Boston Celtics (1969 and 1974). Chaney also was a five-time NBA All-Defensive Second-Team selection. Drafted by Boston in 1968, Chaney spent nine-plus seasons with the Celtics and also played for the Los Angeles Lakers.