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Report Claims Two Key Knicks Don't Want Tom Thibodeau Fired

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ashish Mathur | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 12:56 PM ET

Some believe the New York Knicks should fire head coach Tom Thibodeau this offseason since the two-time Coach of the Year plays his starters heavy minutes and has never been to the NBA Finals as a head coach.

The Knicks made the conference finals this year for the first time since 2000. They lost to the Indiana Pacers in six games and lost Games 1 and 2 at home.

Thibodeau joined the Knicks in 2020. He is 226-174 in the regular season and 24-23 in the playoffs.

While New York owner James Dolan will make the final call on Thibodeau's future, according to James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic, two key Knicks don't want Thibodeau fired.

They are president James Dolan and star point guard Jalen Brunson.

"During the playoff run, the coaching staff remained cautious of its future, understanding that a first-round loss to the Pistons or even a second-round defeat to the Celtics could mean changes, according to league sources," Edwards III and Katz wrote. "Thibodeau absorbed criticisms about heavy minutes for the starters, hardly a new critique, but New York’s roster was one of the NBA’s healthiest all season and concluded the playoffs with no one injured.

"The coach has the backing of team president Leon Rose, league sources said, as well as full buy-in from Brunson, who signed with the Knicks in 2022 in part because he wanted to play for Thibodeau. But ultimately, owner James Dolan is the final decision-maker."

It will be fascinating to see if Thibodeau is back with the Knicks next season. He has coached the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Knicks.

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

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