Former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau wants to coach again

Sam Stroup

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Former Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau wants to coach again image

Former New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau wants to coach again.

Thibodeau, who appeared on SiriusXM's The Starting Lineup on Monday, said he wants to coach in the NBA next season.

"I'm preparing for the next opportunity," Thibodeau said. "Hopefully I'll be ready for it."

Thibodeau had a strong run with the Knicks, posting a 226-174 record over five seasons. He led New York to five playoff appearances, including a run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

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He won Coach of the Year honors in 2021 after leading the Knicks to a 41-31 record. Thibodeau guided New York to 40+ wins in four of his five seasons, including consecutive 50-win seasons during his final two years.

But the Knicks surprisingly fired Thibodeau last June, replacing him with Mike Brown. Brown is 27-18 in his first season in New York and has lost nine of his past 13 games.

Before coaching the Knicks, Thibodeau was the head coach of the Chicago Bulls (2010-15) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2016-19). He has a 578-420 record in 13 seasons and has made 10 playoff appearances in his career.

He was honored last weekend during former Bulls star Derrick Rose's jersey retirement ceremony. Rose cited Thibodeau as an important influence on his career and early success.

He figures to be one of the top available names for open jobs this offseason. Thibodeau, 68, cut his teeth as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics under Doc Rivers. He helped lead the Celtics to an NBA Championship in 2008.

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