After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, Josh Hart and the New York Knicks couldn't get it done, falling to Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers in six games.
Tom Thibodeau has led the Knicks to four playoff appearances since taking over in 2020. However, after his deepest postseason run with the team, he was relieved of his coaching duties on Tuesday and will now be heading elsewhere, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
"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."
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart.
New York Knicks guard Josh Hart and coach Tom Thibodeau
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Hart has played under Thibodeau since being traded to the Knicks from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023. During their three seasons together, New York advanced past the first round each time.
Following Thibodeau's firing, Hart had a message for his now former coach, thanking him for their time together.
"Forever Grateful ð§¡ð Thank You!" Hart wrote on X.
Thibodeau has been one of the more successful coaches since joining New York. Through 400 games coached, he secured 226 wins, the fourth-most by a coach in the last five seasons.
Even with the success, some fans didn't like Thibodeau's substitution strategy, leaving his five starters on the court for over 35 minutes per game in both the regular season and playoffs.
In 2024-25, Hart played a career-high 37.6 minutes per game, averaging 13.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists.
Barring a major trade, the Knicks have their top six players under contract for next season and could opt to run it back. But the search for New York’s 32nd head coach is now underway.