

Tom Thibodeau’s tenure as head coach of the New York Knicks came to an abrupt end as the board felt he underperformed, despite leading the team to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in nearly a quarter-century.
The loss to the Indiana Pacers over a six-game series left the 67-year-old swifty out of work when the Knicks’ president, Nick Rose, made the decision in what he believes will be a step toward the team’s ultimate goal: an NBA championship.
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Thibodeau’s departure triggered both public reflection and private sentiment, including from his own family, as his brother, Dennis, posted a moving tribute on social media in the wake of the axe.
“Born a Knicks fan, raised in a Knicks home, you dreamed of being a Knick,” Dennis said on X.com, formerly Twitter. “Critics may target success – but that never mattered to you.
“You squeezed every ounce of energy from yourself to be the best coach you could be.”
The post quickly went viral and captured how personal the role had been for Thibodeau, rooted in childhood ambition and decades of preparation; as well as the intensity and dedication he brought to his role, one defined by long hours.
Thibodeau sends Knicks a message
In total, he compiled 226 wins and led the team to its most successful stretch since the turn of the millennium, despite that not being enough for the front office and executives at Madison Square Garden.
Known for his no-nonsense approach and tactical discipline, Thibodeau joined the Knicks in 2020 and led them through a critical rebuilding phase. Under his leadership, the team posted consecutive 50-win seasons and reclaimed a competitive identity.
The decision to part ways stunned everyone from the coach himself, to his family and the devoted New York fans, and Thibodeau made a quiet but powerful gesture in response when his exit was confirmed.
“To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you,” Thibodeau said via The New York Times, with no mention of Knicks ownership or management as he clearly felt his heart was with the fans, the city, and the community.
The longtime Knicks supporter, Ben Stiller, known for his roles in the Night at the Museum film series, also acknowledged Thibodeau’s contribution and efforts to the team.
“I am a Tom Thibodeau fan,” Stiller, who has a net worth of around $200m, said.. “He brought this team back. I felt he gave every bit of himself and was always looking to improve.”
The Knicks will now continue trying to find a new head coach ahead of the 2025/26 NBA season, which is scheduled to begin on October 21, 2025. Fixtures have not yet been confirmed.
This news was originally published on this post .
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