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Tom Thibodeau Finally Reacts to Knicks Firing

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Alex Kirschenbaum | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 11:10 AM ET

Former five-year New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has released a full-page advertisement in The New York Times as a reaction to his firing, per Steve Popper of Newsday.

Thibodeau was shockingly let go by New York following a 51-31 run in 2024-25 and the franchise's first Eastern Conference Finals run in a quarter century, an achievement he acknowledges in his Times statement.

"To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you," Thibodeau writes.

"When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job, I am grateful that dream became a reality," Thibodeau notes. "Thank you to our players and coaching staff who gave everything they had, and to everyone who makes this franchise special."

Tom Thibodeau with a full page thank you to the fans and players in The NY Times today. pic.twitter.com/D4FLnGENZe
— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) June 11, 2025

Thibodeau, a native of New Britain, Connecticut, was previously a Knicks assistant coach under Jeff Van Gundy, from 1996-2003. During that tenure included a 1999 NBA Finals run.

"And to the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one," the 67-year-old Thibodeau adds.

He was honored as the NBA's Coach of the Year following his transformative first season with New York, 2020-21. In that COVID-19-abbreviated year, Thibodeau led the franchise to a respectable 41-31 record and its first playoff appearance in eight seasons.

All told, Thibodeau led New York to an impressive 226-174 regular season record during his five seasons at the helm of the franchise. The Knicks made four playoff appearances in that time, going 24-23 and winning four playoff series.

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

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