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Knicks fire head coach Tom Thibodeau following ECF exit

Originally posted on Empire Sports Media
By Dylan Backer | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 3:07 PM ET

The New York Knicks have officially shut the door on the Tom Thibodeau era. ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news Tuesday afternoon that the team is firing the longtime head coach after five seasons with the team.

Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau in stunning move

This move comes just days after they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. New York made an unprecedented run to their first conference finals in 25 years, led by Thibodeau, a run that included knocking off the defending champion Boston Celtics in the second round.

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Following their Game 6 defeat this past weekend, captain Jalen Brunson adamantly stated in his postgame presser that he believed Thibodeau was the right guy to lead the charge. Now, they will start a head coaching search with Thibodeau out.

Thibodeau made the playoffs in four of the five seasons he was head coach with the Knicks. He posted a 226-174 record during the regular season and a 24-23 playoff record.

The Knicks will officially go in a different direction

The Knicks will now officially go in a different direction as they look for a new voice to lead a team with title aspirations. His coaching strategy this past season faced heavy criticism for his lesser usage of the bench and for his defensive schemes.

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New York had troubles defending all season long despite acquiring Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns in the offseason. At times, they looked like a potent group on both ends, but at other times looked lost and out of sync without a real solution.

The Knicks will officially begin their head coaching search immediately, where several candidates will be at the top of their wishlist.

This article first appeared on Empire Sports Media and was syndicated with permission.

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