After twenty-five years of waiting, the Knicks almost made it to the NBA Finals, something made possible by Tom Thibodeau. And how did NY show him gratitude? Well, by firing him, of course. At first, it did not feel real. This was the coach who revived the franchise, who turned the chaos into structure, and turned hopes into wins. What stung was the Knicks President Leon Rose saying in Thibodeau’s dismissal announcement, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans.” Brutal!

But Thibodeau had to say something to himself. In a gesture that spoke louder than any press conference: a full-page, black and white, in The New York Times. Thibs penned his love, “To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you.” The open letter was understated, thoughtful, and carried the weight of the dreams of a man. Addressed to the fans, to the supporters, it had no mention of James Dolan or the front office. 

Raised in a Knicks household, coaching the New York wasn’t just a job; it was a dream for a kid from Connecticut. Joining the Knicks in 2020, Thibs built a playoff team from the ground, and delivered back-to-back 50-win seasons. So, his sudden dismissal hit home for everyone who believed in what he did. Dennis Thibodeau, in a heartfelt tribute to his brother, summed up exactly the truth and pain, a message then reposted by the New York Basketball on X. The post said: “Born a Knicks fan, raised in a Knicks home, you dreamed of being a Knick. Critics may target success-but that never mattered to you.”

Thibodeau lived his dream, fought for it. Without an ounce of ego, with relentless accountability, he gave everything. The post continued, “You squeezed every ounce of energy from yourself to be the best coach you could be.” Through late nights. Long practices, he got the Knicks results, 226 wins, their first trip to the Eastern Conference Finals since 2000. Even long-time Knicks fans Ben Stiller chimed in to show their support, “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.”

While Thibodeau might not be the Knicks’ head coach, he will always be a part of New York. As for the Knicks, their future right now looms with uncertainty as their head-coach plans did not turn out the way they hoped for.

Who will lead the Knicks bench this off-season?

With Tom Thibodeau, one of the best coaches in the league, fired, the Knicks are scrambling. Less than a week after their elimination from the Finals, New York found themselves in search of their next head coach. But the franchise still owes over $30 million, as per Ian Begley, after a contract extension signed with Thibodeau in 2024.

Meanwhile, their attempts to find his replacement aren’t going well either. According to the reports, the Knicks have reached out to Jay Wright, the former Villanova coach, who had once led the Knicks stars, Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart. But Wright has turned the proposal down. Likewise, they have asked the Houston Rockets to speak with Ime Udoka. Denied. Even Chris Finch from the Minnesota Timberwolves has declined this offer. 

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Jason Kidd was also one of the names on the Knicks’ list of potential HC candidates. However, the Dallas Mavericks head coach refused to entertain such a request. Maybe the Knicks front office should have thought this one through. NY needs a coach willing to inherit the title and the pressure and expectations that come with it. And top minds of the league are just walking away. Yet for New York, the clock keeps ticking.