The New York Knicks wasted no time after being eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday to make a major change to their organization.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks decided to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday as they begin their offseason and they now have a key hole to fill at the head coaching position.
This was a surprise move by New York as many believed they would run it back with Thibodeau manning the sidelines next season after he helped lead the team to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000.
Instead, the Knicks believed that it was time for a major coaching change and they now have a crucial decision to make heading into the offseason.
American actors and comedians Chris Rock (left) and Ben Stiller sit courtside during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.
American actors and comedians Chris Rock (left) and Ben Stiller sit courtside during the third quarter between the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat at Madison Square Garden.
© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
After Tuesday’s announcement, Knicks fan and actor Ben Stiller took to social media where he sent a heartfelt message to Thibodeau and thanked him for his time in New York.
“I am a Tom Thibodeau fan. He brought this team back. I felt he gave every bit of himself and was always looking to improve. I will always be grateful for how far he brought the Knicks,” Stiller posted on X. “They are relevant again. They are championship contenders again. The Knicks became winners again with him. Thank you COACH THIBS.”
Of course, Thibodeau had a successful five seasons in New York as he, like Stiller said, helped make the Knicks relevant again after struggling for many seasons.
During his time in New York, Thibodeau led the Knicks to four playoff appearances in five seasons, including leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals this season.
Tom Thibodeau
Tom Thibodeau
© Brad Penner-Imagn Images
He also led the Knicks to their first back-to-back 50-win seasons since the 1990s but it was not enough for him to keep his job.
Of course, Thibodeau faced a ton of criticism due to playing his starters for extensive minutes during the regular season but it is hard to blame their playoff exit solely on him.
Despite this, the Knicks now enter the offseason with a massive hole to fill as they begin their search for a new head coach.