Tom Thibodeau has been dismissed as head coach of the New York Knicks, just days after leading the team to the Eastern Conference finals — their most successful postseason run in a quarter-century. The decision, which the franchise described as “difficult,” signals a bold shift in direction as the Knicks aim to chase an NBA championship.
Tom Thibodeau as a Knick:
– 226-174 Record
– 2021 Coach of the Year
– 4 Playoff Appearances in 5 Years
– 24-23 Playoff Record
– Back to Back 50 Win SeasonsBest Knicks coach this century pic.twitter.com/rLOqJa0FwN
— Matt (@sixringsofsteeI) June 3, 2025
Thibodeau’s tenure with the Knicks was marked by a clear resurgence. Under his leadership over the past five seasons, the team secured four playoff berths and won four series, a notable turnaround for a franchise that had struggled for consistency and relevance for much of the previous two decades. Team president Leon Rose praised Thibodeau’s commitment, professionalism, and the results he delivered, calling him a valued member of the Knicks family.
Despite that praise, the front office ultimately decided a change was needed. The Knicks were eliminated in six games by the Indiana Pacers, coming within two wins of their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. Thibodeau had been asked after the loss what the team needed to do to take the next step, but before those answers could shape the offseason, the organization decided it was time to part ways.