Months after the New York Knicks’ dismissal of Tom Thibodeau as head coach despite the team’s strong run in the playoffs, former NBA champion and current LA Clippers head coach Tyronne Lue revealed that he was in disbelief over the firing.
Despite leading the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, the management fired Thibodeau after five seasons. At the time, President Leon Rose said the move was made in the interest of the team’s championship aspirations.
Lue recently appeared on Club Shay Shay podcast, hosted by NFL legend Shannon Sharpe, and called the Knicks’ decision to part ways with Thibodeau “crazy” and senseless.
“The players did a hell of a job, and Tom did a hell of a job,” Lue said. “And to take a team to their first [Eastern Conference Finals] in 25 years and then get fired, like, it just doesn’t make sense. You know, and for me, like I said, I thought Tom did a great job. But you never know the inside of what’s going on with the organization. Everywhere he’s been, he wins. Everywhere. Chicago, Minnesota, Knicks, every team he’s been on has gotten better, you know? And to do that, I thought it was crazy.”
“The city was on fire, the fans were on fire, the players did a hell of a job and Thibs did a hell of a job… It just doesn’t make sense. I thought Thibs did a great job.”
– Tyronn Lue speaks on the firing of Tom Thibodeau 😳
(Via @ClubShayShay)
pic.twitter.com/q8dTjlCGSg— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 28, 2025
Who’s leading the Knicks now?
After an extensive hiring process, the Knicks entrusted the head coach role to Mike Brown in July. The 55-year-old is a two-time NBA Coach of the Year and has led teams such as the Cavaliers, Lakers and Kings.
The Knicks, who were after championship experience, found a candidate who has been part of four NBA championships as an assistant coach with the Spurs and Warriors. Brown reportedly signed a four-year, $40 million contract and will enter the 2025-26 NBA season with championship aspirations.
