NEW YORK — The New York Knicks have made the unexpected decision to part ways with their head coach Tom Thibodeau, despite his recent success in leading the team to the Eastern Conference finals. This was the deepest playoff run the franchise has experienced in 25 years, under Thibodeau’s guidance since his appointment.
On Tuesday, the Knicks announced the move, describing it as a “difficult decision,” but one they deemed necessary in their pursuit of an NBA championship. Team president Leon Rose expressed gratitude for Thibodeau’s dedication and success, which included securing four playoff berths and winning four playoff series during his five-year tenure. Rose praised Thibodeau’s leadership and professionalism, emphasizing his lasting impact on the team.
The Knicks faced elimination at the hands of the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the conference finals, just two games short of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. In a post-game reflection, Thibodeau spoke about the team’s need to assess and improve over the summer. However, the franchise determined that a coaching change was necessary.
This decision was made by Rose, with Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s approval, although this detail was not included in the official announcement. ESPN initially reported the firing. The decision comes as a surprise, considering the Knicks’ improved performance under Thibodeau, who was hired in 2020.
Thibodeau’s first season marked a significant turnaround for the Knicks, earning him his second NBA Coach of the Year award. The team’s subsequent seasons saw them solidify their status as eastern contenders. A particular highlight was their 2024-25 season, when they defeated defending champions Boston to reach the conference finals for the first time since 2000.
Despite the progress, Thibodeau garnered criticism for his intense coaching style and heavy reliance on starting players, a pattern noted throughout his career. Nevertheless, the fans at Madison Square Garden and even celebrities like actor Ben Stiller praised Thibodeau for revitalizing the Knicks and restoring their competitive edge.
Under Thibodeau’s guidance, the Knicks won a playoff series in three consecutive seasons, with impressive records of 50-32 in 2023-24 and 51-31 the following season. This recent success was fortified by strategic trades for key players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.
Despite the achievements, the organization concluded that a new direction was necessary to finally end their championship drought, with the last title won in 1973. Thibodeau, a Connecticut native and lifelong Knicks fan, initially joined the team as an assistant coach before rising to prominence for his defensive strategies, including a championship win with the Boston Celtics in 2008.
Overall, Thibodeau leaves with a solid head coaching record of 578-420, having made significant contributions to various teams, including the Bulls and Timberwolves, throughout his career.