Eddie Donovan
New York Knicks Head Coach | NBA Executive of the Year | Architect of the Knicks’ Championship Roster
Eddie Donovan was born on June 2, 1922, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. After playing at St. Bonaventure, he coached the university’s men’s basketball team from 1953 to 1961, guiding the Bonnies to their first NCAA Tournament in 1961.
The New York Knicks hired Donovan as head coach in 1961. He led the team for three full seasons and part of a fourth, posting an 84-194 NBA regular-season record.
After moving to management in January 1965, Donovan helped assemble the Knicks’ 1970 championship roster. He also served as a Buffalo Braves executive and earned the NBA Executive of the Year award for 1973-1974.
Donovan died on January 20, 2001, at the age of 78. His later executive achievements are separate from his NBA coaching record.
- Overall Coaching Record: 84-194
Coaching Career
Donovan replaced Carl Braun for the 1961-1962 season, finishing 29-51 in his first year on the Knicks sideline.
New York went 21-59 in 1962-1963 and 22-58 in 1963-1964. Willis Reed joined the roster in 1964-1965, when Donovan coached the first 38 games to a 12-26 record.
Donovan was reassigned from head coach on January 3, 1965, and Harry Gallatin took over. His Knicks coaching tenure totaled 278 regular-season games and no playoff appearances.
Notable Players Coached
- Willis Reed
- Hall of Fame center; 1965 NBA Rookie of the Year
- Richie Guerin
- Six-time NBA All-Star and later NBA Coach of the Year
- Johnny Green
- Four-time NBA All-Star forward
- Art Heyman
- 1963 first overall NBA draft pick