New York Knicks Fire Coach Tom Thibodeau After Strong Playoff Run

NEW YORK, NY – The New York Knicks announced the firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday, just three days after the team was eliminated from the Eastern Conference Finals by the Indiana Pacers. This marks the end of Thibodeau’s five-season tenure with the Knicks, during which he led the franchise to its longest playoff run in 25 years.

The 67-year-old coach led the Knicks to a 51-win season, the most for the team since 2013, and successfully guided them to the playoffs in four out of five seasons, achieving back-to-back 50-win records for the first time since the 1990s.

“Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” team president Leon Rose said in a statement. “This pursuit led us to the decision to move in another direction.”

Rose did not provide specific reasons for the dismissal but emphasized the decision was made in the best interest of the organization. Thibodeau had been given a three-year contract extension just last summer, which included $20 million in guaranteed money.

The Knicks faced significant expectations this season after making notable roster changes, including the addition of stars like Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. Despite a strong regular season, the team struggled in crucial moments during the playoffs, raising questions about Thibodeau’s coaching strategy.

When asked about Thibodeau’s future after the playoff exit, Brunson expressed his belief in the coach. “You just asked me if I believe he’s the right guy? Yes,” Brunson said. “We have the workers that we have, and I’m okay with that.”

The Knicks now enter a search for their seventh head coach in the last decade, aiming to build on their recent success and forge a stronger championship-contending team.