Tom Thibodeau out as Knicks head coach after playoff elimination
Head coach Tom Thibodeau of the New York Knicks looks on in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 12, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana.
NEW YORK - The New York Knicks have fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, ending a five-year tenure that brought the franchise back to playoff relevance but ultimately fell short of expectations.
The decision, first reported by ESPN and confirmed to the Associated Press by a person familiar with the situation, comes just three days after the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals.
It was the team’s first appearance in the conference finals since 2000.
Why did the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau now?
The backstory:
Despite the milestone playoff run, the organization decided to move in a new direction. Team president Leon Rose reportedly made the decision with backing from team owner Jim Dolan, according to a person who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had not yet been officially announced.
Thibodeau coached the Knicks to the postseason in four of his five seasons, rebuilding a competitive core and revitalizing Madison Square Garden. But the team struggled with injuries and inconsistency throughout the 2025 playoffs, and the Game 6 loss to Indiana apparently sealed his fate.
What they're saying:
"We can't thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach. He led us not only with class and professionalism for the past five seasons, but also to tremendous success on the court with four playoff berths and four playoff series victories," team president Leon Rose said in a statement.
"Ultimately we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward. Tom will always be a part of our Knicks family and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future."
What's next:
The Knicks now begin their search for a new head coach ahead of what’s expected to be an active offseason. The move signals that the front office sees the roster as ready to contend and is looking for a leader who can push the team deeper into championship contention.
The Source: This report is based on Associated Press coverage and a confirmation from a source familiar with the decision, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The firing was first reported by ESPN.