What does a former New York Jets GM have to do with the New York Knicks' coaching search?

Good question.

Here’s the answer:

Ex-Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum works for the sports agency that represents Steve Kerr, the presumptive favorite to land the Knicks’ head coaching job.

Tannenbaum joined Chicago-based agency Priority Sports after being let go by the Jets following the 2012 season.

His role is to oversee the contract negotiations and representation of football and basketball coaches for both professional and collegiate sports, as well as the agency’s broadcasting operations.

Kerr was represented by Priority Sports’ Mark Bartelstein during his playing career, which included three titles under new Knicks president Phil Jackson when they were with the Chicago Bulls.

NBA rules prohibit agents from representing both players and coaches, however, so Tannenbaum is expected to help represent Kerr if he turns his attention to coaching. It’s reasonable to assume Tannenbaum, who worked for the Jets for 15 seasons and served as GM for seven of them, will be active in negotiations on Kerr’s behalf with Jackson.

Kerr said on Sirius XM NBA Radio on Monday that he expected to hear from Jackson about the Knicks' vacancy. Jackson fired Mike Woodson and his staff on Monday morning. Kerr has never coached in the NBA before, but reiterated on Monday that he is interested in coaching. He previously served for three years as the Phoenix Suns' general manager before returning to broadcasting in 2010.

"I've been pretty open about that the last few years and I think that obviously that's one of the reasons that this is all out there," Kerr said. "When the time comes, I'll be interested."

Neither Tannenbaum nor Bartelstein were available for comment on Monday night.

You can follow Ian Begley on Twitter.