The New York Knicks’ decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau was influenced in part by player feedback during end-of-season meetings, according to a report from SNY’s Ian Begley.
Several players voiced concerns during postseason sessions that included team owner James Dolan. While expressing respect for the veteran coach, players reportedly pointed to areas of his coaching approach that they believed needed improvement.
Despite leading the franchise to its first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000, Thibodeau was dismissed days after the team was eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in six games.
The Knicks had compiled a 51–31 regular-season record, finishing third in the Eastern Conference. They defeated Detroit and Boston in the first two rounds before falling short of the NBA Finals.
SNY also reported that Thibodeau, 67, will receive more than $30 million in guaranteed money following the termination of his recently signed contract extension. He will not remain with the organization in a front office capacity.
Over five seasons in New York, Thibodeau led the team to three playoff series wins—matching the franchise’s total from the previous two decades combined. He also guided the Knicks to back-to-back 50-win seasons, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since the 1990s.
Thibodeau, who earned NBA Coach of the Year honors in 2021, is expected to receive interest from multiple franchises seeking experienced leadership on the bench.
