Knicks Firing Coach Tom Thibodeau After Run To East Finals

Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks are firing Thibodeau after the team’s run to the Eastern Conference finals. They were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.

For the record, that was the Knicks’ first appearance in the conference finals in 25 years. They made the playoffs in four of Thibodeau’s five seasons. He also guided them to consecutive 50-plus win seasons for the first time since the 1990s.

“The Knicks are singularly focused on their pursuit of a championship and believe a new voice will serve as the focus for the organization’s next step, sources said,” Charania wrote. “After five seasons with the Knicks, Tom Thibodeau is out as head coach.”

Thibodeau, 67, has served as head coach of the Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, compiling a 578-420 record in regular-season games. His teams are 48-55 in the playoffs.

While most NBA coaching vacancies have already been filled, Thibodeau undoubtedly will be in high demand once the next cycle of firings takes place.