Brian Windhorst Reveals Real Reason Knicks Fired Tom Thibodeau
Brian Windhorst Reveals Real Reason Knicks Fired Tom Thibodeau
The New York Knicks have made a stunning decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau just days after the team’s elimination from the Eastern Conference Finals by the Indiana Pacers.
The firing comes as a shock to many NBA observers, as Thibodeau had led the Knicks to their first conference finals appearance in 25 years during what had been considered a successful postseason run. This unexpected move ends Thibodeau’s five-year tenure with the organization, during which he compiled a strong 226-174 record and guided the team to four playoff appearances.
The timing is particularly surprising given that Thibodeau had signed a three-year contract extension following the 2023-24 season that was meant to keep him with the franchise through 2027-28.
Under his leadership, the Knicks had experienced a remarkable resurgence, returning to relevance in the Eastern Conference after years of disappointment. Despite this progress and the team’s deepest postseason run in over two decades, team president Leon Rose and the front office apparently felt a change was necessary to move the franchise forward.
“What Tom Thibodeau did to his coaching strategy during the Eastern Conference finals might’ve assured his firing. What I mean by that is after falling down 2-0 in that series, he made a whole bunch of changes,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said this week.
“He changed his starting lineup. Then he extended multiple players into his bench— something that players, team personnel, and people across the league had been begging him to do for months. He also changed some of his strategies within the coaching of the game, and it worked,” Windhost noted.
“What Tom Thibodeau did to his coaching strategy during the Eastern Conference finals might’ve assured his firing.”
—@WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/cwTgHAGgBT
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) June 4, 2025
Josh Hart Expresses Deep Appreciation For Tom Thibodeau
Following the New York Knicks’ decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau, guard Josh Hart quickly shared his feelings on social media. His message was simple yet powerful: “Forever Grateful 🧡💙 Thank You!”
The brief tribute highlights the strong connection that developed between Hart and his former coach during their time together in New York. Despite the organization’s decision to make a coaching change, Hart clearly valued Thibodeau’s influence and leadership.
Thibodeau’s tenure with the Knicks saw the team transform from a struggling franchise into a competitive playoff contender. His defensive-minded approach and disciplinary coaching style resonated with many players, including Hart, who thrived under his system.
The heartfelt response demonstrates that beyond the business decisions of basketball, player-coach relationships often run deep and leave lasting impressions.
A graduate from the University of Texas, Anthony Amador has been credentialed to cover the Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and high school games all over the Lone Star State. Currently, his primary beats are the NBA, MLB, NFL and UFC.
