Report: New York Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau after Eastern Conference Finals elimination

Three days after their Eastern Conference Finals defeat to the Indiana Pacers, the New York Knicks have fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Thibodeau, 67, is out of a job after five seasons in New York.

The Knicks improved in nearly every season under his watch. New York made the playoffs in four of his five seasons on the sideline, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals this season for the first time since 2000. The Knicks were two victories away from advancing to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. Thibodeau led New York to consecutive 50 plus win seasons, something the team had not done since the 90s. His Knicks tenure ends with a 226-174 record and a 2021 NBA Coach of the Year nod.

“Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in another direction,” Knicks president Leon Rose said in a statement. “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. He led us not only with class and professionalism for the past five seasons, but also to tremendous success on the court with four playoff berths and four playoff series victories.

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

Knicks surprisingly move on from Tom Thibodeau

It’s a stunning move, as The Athletic had reported that Thibodeau had the backing of Rose. All-Star guard Jalen Brunson also advocated for Thibodeau to return.

“Is that a real question right now? You just asked me if I believe he’s the right guy. Yes. Come on,” Brunson said after the Game 6 loss.

Ultimately, team owner James Dolan is the final decision maker. Clearly, he felt a change was needed. New York will now conduct a search for its 32nd head coach in franchise history.

Thibodeau will look for his fourth NBA head coaching job. He previously led the Chicago Bulls (2010-15) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-19). His .579 career win percentage is the highest of any NBA head coach without a Finals appearance.