Tom Thibodeau Breaks Silence After Knicks' Shocking Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Nathaniel Holloway | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 1:20 PM ET

It was a successful season for the New York Knicks as they finished third in the Eastern Conference and then made a run to the Eastern Conference Finals, their first appearance since 2000.

Unfortunately for New York, that is where their season would come to an end as they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.

While it was a great season for the Knicks, they drew a ton of criticism for their performance in the playoffs, most of which was centered around head coach Tom Thibodeau.

Despite this, many believed the Knicks would run it back with Thibodeau next season but instead, New York decided to fire him just three days after their playoff exit.

This came as a surprise to many, especially after Thibodeau helped lead the team to the Conference Finals as well as back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1990s.

Despite this, the Knicks felt that it was time to make a change and they now have a crucial decision ahead of them as they search for a new head coach.

On Wednesday, Thibodeau broke his silence as he made a statement following his firing.

“To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you,” Thibodeau wrote. “When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that dream became a reality. To the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one. Watching you support our team, and seeing the Garden ignite with that incomparable Knicks energy, is something I will never forget.”

Tom Thibodeau: “To the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one.
Watching you support our team, and seeing the Garden ignite with that incomparable Knicks energy, is something I will never forget.”

Full statement from Thibodeau here: pic.twitter.com/sgi8h7iMlH
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 11, 2025

It is clear that the Knicks’ job was Thibodeau’s dream job and he did a great job in the five seasons with the team as he led them to four playoff appearances and 400 wins.

Despite this, the Knicks felt that it was time to make a change due to criticism surrounding Thibodeau and also a report saying multiple players were unhappy with his coaching style.

Now the Knicks enter a crucial offseason as the only team in the NBA with a head coaching vacancy as they try to find the perfect coach to help them win a championship.

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

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