Tom Thibodeau’s dismissal as head coach of the New York Knicks followed direct player feedback shared during exit interviews.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill, team owner James Dolan led the postseason meetings and took an active role in questioning players about the coaching staff.
Sources told Yahoo that some players criticized Thibodeau for overplaying starters and struggling to make in-game adjustments. One player reportedly said he couldn’t envision returning if Thibodeau remained head coach.
Team president Leon Rose reportedly took a backseat in the meetings, allowing Dolan to drive the conversation. Dolan, according to sources, was never a strong supporter of Thibodeau during his tenure.
SNY’s Ian Begley also reported that feedback from several players factored into the decision. Despite acknowledging Thibodeau’s contributions, some believed a change was needed.
The 67-year-old coach was let go days after New York was eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the Indiana Pacers in six games.
Thibodeau had guided the Knicks to a 51–31 regular-season record, third-best in the East, and series wins over Detroit and Boston.
He will receive over $30 million in guaranteed money from his terminated contract extension, per SNY. He will not remain with the franchise in any front office role.
During his five seasons in New York, Thibodeau led the team to three playoff series wins—their most in a two-decade span. He also delivered back-to-back 50-win campaigns for the first time since the 1990s.
In 2021, he was named NBA Coach of the Year after leading the Knicks to the postseason in his first year at the helm.
