Tom Thibodeau Out as Knicks Head Coach After Best Season in Decades

The New York Knicks are making big changes this offseason, starting at the top. On the heels of the franchise’s deepest playoff run in 25 years, the team announced today that they are parting ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau after five seasons.

Thibodeau, 67, just led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals—a milestone fans hadn’t seen since the ’90s. But despite the success, it wasn’t enough to save his job.

The main issue? Thibs’ old-school style. Known for running tight rotations and relying heavily on just eight players all season, his methods raised eyebrows within the organization and caused noticeable strain on the roster. Chemistry suffered, and fatigue showed. Even Ironman Mikal Bridges, who rarely complains, admitted earlier this season that logging heavy minutes under Thibs “wasn’t fun.”

In a statement, Knicks president Leon Rose thanked Thibodeau for his leadership and dedication, noting his contributions to the team’s recent playoff appearances. But he made it clear the organization is shifting gears in pursuit of a championship—and that meant moving on.

With Thibodeau out, the Knicks now enter a critical offseason searching for a new head coach. Potential candidates include player-focused, defensive-minded names like Sam Cassell, or more seasoned voices like David Fizdale, who’s also in the running for the Phoenix Suns job.

As the NBA Finals wrap up and free agency looms, fans won’t have to wait long to see who the Knicks tap next. One thing’s certain—change is here, and New York’s front office is betting big on a new direction.