New York Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau after playoff loss to Pacers, ending a five-season run marked by dramatic resurgence.
Tom Thibodeau has been fired as head coach of the New York Knicks following their playoff exit. After leading the team to four postseason appearances and reviving the franchise, Thibodeau’s dismissal shocked fans and echoed past NBA power plays. The president of the Knicks, Leon Rose has said that the decision, although difficult, has been made in pursuit of a championship.
The New York Knicks have officially fired their head coach Tom Thibodeau right after the team was eliminated from the NBA playoffs. Thibodeau has led the Knicks for 5 seasons and has strengthened and guided the struggling franchise. However, after falling short of an NBA Finals appearance despite having high expectations, the organization has decided to move in a new direction.
In a statement posted to X, Knicks president Leon Rose said, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in another direction.” Rose has thanked Thibodeau for his dedication and leadership noting the coach’s role in achieving four playoff series victories and building a winning culture.
Thibodeau, known for his demanding coaching style, had an overall record of 226-174 with the Knicks. He won the NBA Coach of the Year award in the 2020–21 season, his first year with the team, after guiding them back to relevance. This year, the Knicks were considered strong contenders following a deep playoff run, but their collapse in the Eastern Conference Finals—highlighted by a blown 14-point lead in Game 1, proved costly.
According to reports, the Knicks hope to replicate the bold move made by the Detroit Pistons two decades ago, who fired a successful coach after a conference finals appearance and went on to win the title the following season. Knicks guard Josh Hart responded to the news with a post reading: “Forever Grateful. Thank You!”
Thibodeau’s exit marks a significant turning point for the Knicks, who now begin a critical search for a new head coach with championship ambitions in sight.