May 29, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau reacts in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Tom Thibodeau's Former Bulls Star Reacts to Knicks Firing

Originally posted on Chicago Bulls on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 5:36 PM ET

Under the leadership of Tom Thibodeau, the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls were perennial playoff teams. With the Knicks, most recently, Thibodeau coached them to four playoff appearances in five seasons, with an Eastern Conference Finals berth back in May. He took home a Coach of the Year award in 2021.

With the Bulls, Thibs was also a Coach of the Year in 2011, getting them to the Eastern Conference Finals in that same season. He was the coach of numerous Chicago playoff teams, but like his time in New York, his tenure ended in a firing.

BREAKING: The New York Knicks are relieving Tom Thibodeau of his duties as head coach, sources tell ESPN. Thibodeau led the Knicks to their first East Finals in 25 years, made playoffs in 4 of 5 years and led Knicks to consecutive 50+ win seasons for first time since the 1990s. pic.twitter.com/B7w8KhoEcF
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 3, 2025

Taj Gibson, a long-time NBA veteran, had the opportunity to play under Thibodeau on three different teams. The 39-year-old was a player for Thibs on the Knicks, Bulls, and Minnesota Timberwolves. The two have shared many playoff runs together, and have grown a special bond over the years.

After the Knicks let Thibodeau go, Gibson took to social media to defend his former coach. The veteran, now an unrestricted free agent, posted on his Instagram story, having Thibs' back amid chatter regarding his dismissal. Many have debated whether or not he deserved to be fired.

Taj is Thibs’ ride or die. pic.twitter.com/F8WZ8NIKX6
— jon greenberg (@jon_greenberg) June 5, 2025

"Charge it to the game!!!" Gibson said. "Proud of Thibs, through all the bulls**t!! Never pointed fingers, just worked and worked!!! [Too] many bad takes!!! But hey, it’s the business!!! Accountability!!!”

Gibson spent this past season with the Charlotte Hornets. The center has averaged 8.4 points and 5.7 rebounds across 16 seasons, including roughly eight with the Bulls and just under four with the Knicks.

This article first appeared on Chicago Bulls on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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