The New York Knicks parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday, just days after their deepest playoff run in 25 years.
Thibodeau, who had been at the helm since 2020, led the Knicks to a 51-win season and their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, only to fall to the Indiana Pacers in six games.
With a regular-season record of 226-174, four playoff appearances, and back-to-back 50-win seasons, Thibodeau transformed the Knicks from a struggling franchise into a legitimate contender.
Despite signing Thibs to a three-year contract extension in July 2024, the Knicks’ front office, led by President Leon Rose and backed by owner James Dolan, decided a new voice was needed to push the team toward a championship, a goal that has eluded New York since 1973.
The firing sent ripples through the NBA, drawing reactions from fans, analysts, and players alike. Knicks star Jalen Brunson had already publicly endorsed Thibodeau post-elimination, saying, “Is that a real question right now? … Yes. Come on,” in response to a query about whether Thibs was the right man for the job.
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Celebrities like Ben Stiller and John McEnroe weighed in, lamenting the loss of Thibodeau.
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson had something to say, too.
“WOW WOW WOW,” Johnson posted to X.
“I can’t believe the NY Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau was fired today after leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals! The biggest question is why was he fired? Now, who will be the next coach of the Knicks?”
Johnson, no stranger to coaching changes, played under five different head coaches during his 13-year Hall of Fame career with the Lakers.
As the Knicks pivot to their coaching search, recent rumors have linked them to former Lakers assistant and current Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd. Sources indicate New York has serious interest in Kidd, who could bring a fresh perspective to a talented roster featuring Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges.
The pressure is on to find a coach who can elevate the Knicks beyond Thibodeau’s achievements and end their 52-year championship drought.
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