Tom Thibodeau Beats New York Knicks Legend in 1 Category 2 Dec 5, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau talks with New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) on the sideline against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

New York Knicks Urged to Consider Hiring 2-Time NCAA Champion Coach to Replace Tom Thibodeau

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 8:25 AM ET

The New York Knicks shocked the basketball world by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau yesterday, since he guided the team to its best playoff run in more than two decades.

Several coaches have been floated as candidates to take the vacant New York Knicks job. But, for ESPN’s Mike Greenberg, Villanova’s Jay Wright should be in the running because of his familiarity with Jalen Brunson , Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges.

“The obvious choice for the #Knicks, in fact the only one that would make this firing make sense, is Jay Wright. I’d be surprised if he wants to do it, but that’s the only way this makes any sense to me at all,” Greenberg posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

New York Knicks Urged to Consider Hiring 2-Time NCAA Champion Coach to Replace Tom Thibodeau 2 Dec 9, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Villanova coach Jay Wright with head coach Kyle Neptune after the game against the UCLA Bruins at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Wright is an intriguing choice if the New York Knicks want to go in a different direction. However, the 63-year-old has never coached in the NBA, and the team may be better off with other seasoned candidates such as Michael Malone, Mike Brown, or Taylor Jenkins.

New York Knicks legend is in disbelief after Tom Thibodeau’s firing

Former New York Knicks forward Charles Oakley couldn’t hide his disappointment after learning of Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal. The one-time NBA All-Star believes that Thibodeau was the right coach because of his no-nonsense approach.

New York Knicks Urged to Consider Hiring 2-Time NCAA Champion Coach to Replace Tom Thibodeau 3 Nov 20, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau with guard Jalen Brunson (11) against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

“Yeah, that’s heartbreaking. I mean, for what he’s brought to the team over the last five years—holding guys accountable—I don’t know who could’ve done a better job,” Oakley lamented via News10NBC’s Mat Mlodzinski.

“I get it, everybody wants to go young or hire a friend of the players. But you need someone who can teach. You don’t need to be friends all the time… That’s sad news. I like Thibodeau. He’s a good guy,” he added.