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New York Knicks Could Reunite With Franchise Legend to Replace Tom Thibodeau

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 11:50 PM ET

The New York Knicks made the shocking--and seemingly appalling--choice to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday. Thibodeau served five seasons with the Knicks, leading them to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 seasons this year.

With the East weaker than ever, fans largely expected the Knicks to run things back with a similar roster and coaching staff next season. Thibodeau had the support of superstar guard Jalen Brunson, but the front office decided to change directions.

With Michael Malone seemingly not a frontrunner, the Knicks could reunite with one of the best coaches in franchise history: Jeff Van Gundy.

Before becoming a staple of NBA broadcasts, Van Gundy led the Knicks for parts of seven seasons, making the playoffs every year.

While he never won a ring in New York, he did lead them to their last Finals appearance in 1999.

He spent this season as an underrated coach for the Los Angeles Clippers and was credited with designing their revamped defense.

Before he stepped in, with Paul George (who once came in third in DPOTY voting), the Clippers boasted the 18th-best defense. This season, with Van Gundy, they were third in the NBA and looked the part of contenders until running into the Denver Nuggets in the first round.

This season, the Knicks were a middling defensive team despite being led by Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart. Adding Van Gundy, a defensive mastermind, could change that, and he is clearly interested in getting back into coaching.

Between Van Gundy, Malone, Mike Budenholzer, Monty Williams, and Taylor Jenkins, among others, there are plenty of experienced options.

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

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