Ex-Bulls Coach Tom Thibodeau Fired by New York Knicks

The New York Knicks dismissed ex-Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau despite making it to the Eastern Conference Finals

May 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau coaches against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter of game six in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The New York Knicks made it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, building on their loss in the Eastern Conference Semifinals last season. Just before the start of the season, they made a shocking trade, sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns.

That trade ended up mostly being a win-win, as both the Knicks and Wolves made the conference finals, even if neither made the NBA Finals. However, despite that success, the New York Knicks are moving in a different direction.

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

ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania has reported that the Knicks have dismissed Tom Thibodeau despite their run to the Eastern Conference Finals. In five seasons in New York, Thibodeau led the Knicks to back-to-back 50-win seasons for the first time since the 1990s and accumulated a record of 226-174.

"The Knicks are singularly focused on their pursuit of a championship and believe a new voice will serve as the focus for the organization's next step, sources said," Charania also posted. "After five seasons with the Knicks, Tom Thibodeau is out as head coach."

Knicks are releaving Tom Thibodeau of his duties, per league sources. Organization singular focused on winning title, feels new voice is needed. Team president Leon Rose made decision with support of owner James Dolan.

— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) June 3, 2025

Thibodeau is now 67 years old, so it's fair to wonder if this will be his last opportunity as a head coach. He got his start as a head coach with the Chicago Bulls, leading those popular teams with Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah, and more to a 255-139 record in five seasons before being dismissed and moving on to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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