Why did the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau? New York makes stunning decision after Eastern Conference Finals loss

Days after coming up short in the Eastern Conference Finals, changes abound in New York City.

Tuesday, the Knicks announced they have relieved head coach Tom Thibodeau of his duties. Thibodeau, who was hired by the franchise in 2020, was the league's third longest-tenured head coach at the time of the news.

Here is more on New York's decision to part ways with its longtime head coach.

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Why did the Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau?

The Knicks' decision to fire Thibodeau comes less than three days after the team was eliminated from the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. It was the franchise's deepest postseason run in 25 years, but the decision is rooted in the pursuit of more.

"Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans," Knicks president Leon Rose said in an official release. "This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we've decided to move in another direction."

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.@nyknicks Announce Coaching Change pic.twitter.com/XhWOUSwWvn

— NY Knicks PR (@NY_KnicksPR) June 3, 2025

"Ultimately, we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward. Tom will always be a part of our Knicks family, and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future."

In the 2024 offseason, New York made big swings to acquire Mikal Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns to pair alongside the pre-existing core duo of O.G. Anunoby and All-Star guard Jalen Brunson.

The Knicks finished with the East's third seed with a 51-31 record in the 2024-25 season. After eliminating the No. 6-seed Pistons in six games, New York eliminated the defending-champion Celtics in the semifinals before falling to the Pacers in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals.

As for next steps, the Knicks "might be looking for a guy that trusts their bench more," ESPN's Shams Charania reported during a spot on the Pat McAfee Show. This stems from concerns about New York's reliance on starters to log heavy minutes during the regular season and playoffs.

MORE THIBODEAU:

• NOH: Why Knicks will regret firing Tom Thibodeau
• Top Knicks coaching candidates to replace Tom Thibodeau
• Josh Hart, Ben Stiller, more react to Thibodeau firing
• How reliance on starters led to Thibodeau's ouster
• Most shocking coach firings in New York sports history

Tom Thibodeau contract

Thibodeau signed a three-year contract extension with the Knicks following the 2023-24 season. The deal was set to take him through the 2027-28 season, meaning the firing comes as Thibodeau's extension was set to begin.

The terms of his extension were unknown, but Thibodeau is believed to have earned $40 million during his time as Knicks head coach, with his deal bringing in around $8 million annually. The extension is believed to be worth around $10 million annually. 

MORE KNICKS

• How the salary cap and trade market will impact the Knicks' offseason
• Why New York's playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals

Tom Thibodeau coaching record

Thibodeau completed five seasons with the Knicks and has been an NBA head coach for the better part of 13 seasons, posting 10 winning campaigns. Thibodeau increased his win total in each of his last three seasons leading New York.

Tom Thibodeau age

Thibodeau is 67. He was born on Jan. 17, 1958, in New Britain, Conn.

While Thibodeau did not get his first NBA coaching job until 2010, he has been on an NBA sideline for nearly 40 years. His first job was as an assistant with the Timberwolves in 1989.

This story will be updated.