#Mark Jackson wants to coach again after not getting Knicks look

Former Warriors coach Mark Jackson, who did not become a candidate in the Knicks’ coaching search, said Monday he wants to coach again. Jeff Van Gundy added the GM that hires Jackson will look “really smart.”

Social media was filled with queries on why the former St. John’s/Knicks star was not interviewed by president Leon Rose in the process that led to Tom Thibodeau getting the job. Jackson had already interviewed for the Knicks job twice – in 2008 when he lost out to Mike D’Antoni and 2018 when David Fizdale got the job.

Jalen Rose told The Post recently Jackson would be his first choice followed by Jason Kidd. Jackson could be a top candidate for the Nets job as Kevin Durant’s manager Rich Kleiman is Jackson’s biggest fan.

“I appreciated the love from the Knicks fans and Jalen Rose’s opinion,” Jackson said on an ESPN conference call on the restart that descended into a series of Knicks coaching-search questions. “I truly look forward to having the opportunity to coach again. I had a blast at Golden State, built incredible relationships that will last a lifetime and I look forward to the challenge of coaching again.”

Without being asked, Van Gundy chimed in about Jackson’s plight. He raved about Jackson’s work in his lone stint with the Warriors when he compiled a 121-109 record in three seasons from 2011 to 2014. Van Gundy said he “elevated the confidence level and commitment to defense.”

“What I saw in Golden State was truly a remarkable job of reconstructing a fragile confidence,” Van Gundy said. “Because over the years of a lot of losing, the demands defensive previously had not been asked of those past players. If he wants to do it again, in today’s game, I don’t see another guy who is better equipped than him of taking players who may not have achieved yet, but have hopes of becoming a winning player and having a guy help him confidence-wise and challenging him to fulfill his potential than Mark. If I was the GM right now, I would be really smart if I hired Mark.”

Sources have told The Post Nets president Sean Marks is considering bringing back Jacque Vaughn despite his atrocious 58-158 record with the Magic. Van Gundy said Vaughn can’t be judged on the Orlando restart because of the patchwork roster and COVID-19 return-to-play quirks.

Van Gundy has been outspoken before on his love of Thibodeau, his former assistant. He’s also thrown bouquets at former interim coach Mike Miller, an assistant on his Team USA World Cup qualifying team staff.

Van Gundy suggested Thibodeau would be wise to keep Miller on his staff – which team brass is expected to do.

“I would never be arrogant enough to tell Tom what he needs on his staff,” the former Knicks coach said. “He knows that better than anybody. He knows what he needs. If you’re asking my experiences with Mike, not only did I think he was a terrific basketball man, but of impeccable character and integrity that would benefit any staff not just the Knicks. He’s a terrific coach, terrific mind but most important has terrific character.”

Van Gundy also said Monday the Knicks’ roster “needs a lot of work” and fans need to be “patient,” but Thibodeau can’t act too patient to get the most out of his players.