The New York Knicks made a stunning decision on Tuesday to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau, and many fans feel that was a huge mistake.
Thibodeau is out after leading the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years. The veteran coach led the team to the playoffs in four of his five seasons in New York, but the Knicks reportedly feel they need a new voice.
The initial reaction to the move was shock, with most fans questioning why the Knicks would fire their coach when they seem to finally be heading in the right direction.
Got the furthest they ever have and they fired the coach lmao
— APHoops (@APH00PS) June 3, 2025
When was the last time a HC that went to the ECF got fired?!
— Red Raider Man🌵 (@redraiderman1) June 3, 2025
When was the last time a HC that went to the ECF got fired?!
— Red Raider Man🌵 (@redraiderman1) June 3, 2025
Firing a coach after you made the ECF is wild
— ⁷⁷ (@FeelLikeLuka) June 3, 2025
LMAOOOOO WHAT ARE THEY EVEN DOING ? Like ever?
— Jake (@playoffjake) June 3, 2025
LMAOOOOO WHAT ARE THEY EVEN DOING ? Like ever?
— Jake (@playoffjake) June 3, 2025
The Knicks exceeded expectations this year by getting through the defending champion Boston Celtics to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. They overcame massive deficits in Game 1 and Game 2 against the Celtics to win that series in six games. Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles near the end of Game 4, but the Knicks had that game in hand anyway and were going to take a 3-1 lead regardless.
Thibodeau went 226-174 in five seasons with the Knicks, so his tenure was an overall success. He faced criticism late this season for relying on his starters too much and not having a deep enough rotation.
While there were certainly areas in which New York could have been better under Thibodeau, it is fair to question his dismissal. If the Knicks fail to make a deeper run under their next coach than they did under Thibodeau this year, the criticism will be more than valid.
