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Mike Greenberg's 6-Word Reaction To Tom Thibodeau's Firing

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 5:14 PM ET

Just like many NBA fans around the world, ESPN's Mike Greenberg is stunned that Tom Thibodeau won't be returning to the New York Knicks for the 2025-26 season.

Thibodeau led the Knicks to the playoffs in four of the past five years. He's coming off a season where the franchise made the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.

Despite the Knicks' recent playoff run, Thibodeau was relived of his duties Tuesday.

"Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans," Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement. "This pursuit led us to the decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we've decided to move in another direction. We can't thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach.

"Ultimately, we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward. Tom will always be part of our Knicks family and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future."

NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 14: TV/Radio Host Mike Greenberg attends Build to discuss his partnership with Dove Men + Care and the new film 'There To Care' at Build Studio on June 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage)WireImage/Getty

After the Knicks relieved Thibodeau of his duties, Greenberg offered his initial reaction to the news on social media.

"This is a startlingly terrible decision," Greenberg wrote on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Greenberg isn't the only media personality shocked by this decision. Most people assumed Thibodeau would return for next season. After all, the Knicks were just two wins away from making it to the NBA Finals.

What also makes this decision fascinating is that Thibodeau received a three-year extension from the Knicks last summer.

According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Knicks believe a new voice will "serve as the focus for the organization's next step." There's no question that next step is winning a championship.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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