Knicks Get Denied for Fourth Time in Push to Contact Rival Coach

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 7:35 PM ET

Tom Thibodeau led the New York Knicks to the franchise's first Eastern Conference finals in 25 years, yet it still wasn't enough for him to keep his job.

Following the team's 4-2 series loss to the Indiana Pacers the Knicks made the decision to fire the two-time NBA Coach of the Year. While some view it as controversial, others around the league saw the writing on the wall.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne revealed that the move was "months" in the making, with those around the franchise unsatisfied with Thibodeau's usage of All-NBA caliber players Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.

With the Knicks on the hunt for a coach that can take them to the next level, their coaching search has not been smooth sailing by any means so far. Prior to Wednesday, they had reached out to the Houston Rockets to inquire about Ime Udoka, the Minnesota Timberwolves for Chris Finch and the Dallas Mavericks for Jason Kidd.

All of their queries ended in the other team denying a request to have discussions with the team's head coach.

On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the number of rejections grew to four.

"Another one: The New York Knicks have requested permission to speak with Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, but were firmly denied, sources tell ESPN," wrote Charania.

With the Knicks seemingly whiffing on coaches who are currently employed, many expect them to pursue former Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone. There has also been a push for former Golden State Warriors head coach, Mark Jackson, with St. John's head coach Rick Pitino publicly campaigning for Jackson.

Regardless of who the head coach ends up being, they appear to have at-best been the team's fifth choice.

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

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