The New York Knicks have made a bold move by parting ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau following a promising playoff run that ended in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Thibodeau's departure opens the door for a new coaching era in a franchise known for its high expectations and intense media scrutiny.

NBA insider Sam Amick suggests two potential candidates for the Knicks' head coach position: Mike Brown and Taylor Jenkins. The Knicks have a storied history that requires a coach who can handle the pressure of the New York spotlight. Amick leans towards Brown, citing his successful tenures in high-profile environments like Cleveland and Los Angeles, where he managed star players effectively.

The New York Knicks are moving quickly in their search for a new head coach, planning to conduct formal interviews next week. Former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins and former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown are top candidates. Jenkins, who recently exited Memphis after a solid six-year stint, boasts a playoff record that includes three consecutive postseason appearances. Meanwhile, Brown, a seasoned coach with a history of success—including multiple NBA championships—seeks to return to a head coaching role after a challenging tenure with the Kings.

The Knicks are looking for fresh leadership following the dismissal of Tom Thibodeau after the team's Eastern Conference finals exit. Thibodeau managed to guide the Knicks to their first conference finals in 25 years, but failed to secure a championship, extending the franchise's title drought to 52 years. With Jenkins and Brown's experience, the Knicks hope to find the right fit that could finally bring home a championship.

The New York Knicks wrapped up the 2024-25 NBA season impressively with a 51-31 record, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years. However, their hopes for a championship were dashed by the Indiana Pacers in a six-game series. Just two days later, the team president Leon Rose made headlines by firing head coach Tom Thibodeau after a five-year run that recorded a 226-174 record. The Knicks are now in search of a new head coach, having faced challenges in securing interviews with current coaches from other franchises.

With many active candidates unavailable, NBA insider Shams Charania suggests the Knicks will urgently explore former head coaches or assistant coaches. Potential names include two-time Coach of the Year Mike Brown, who led the Cavaliers to the NBA Finals in 2007, and Taylor Jenkins, the successful coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. Also in the mix is Michael Malone, fresh off a championship win with the Denver Nuggets.

The New York Knicks have parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau following their defeat to the Indiana Pacers in the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. Thibodeau's tenure saw a remarkable turnaround, improving the team's record significantly in his first season, and achieving the franchise's best playoff outcome since 1999 last season. The decision has sparked a mix of support and criticism among fans, especially from players like Josh Hart, who labeled the negativity surrounding Thibodeau's departure as 'lame'. Hart’s comments resonate with many, as fans voiced concerns about the Knicks' future coaching direction and the challenges ahead in maintaining competitive success without Thibodeau's leadership.

The New York Knicks concluded the 2025 NBA regular season with an impressive 51-31 record, showcasing a dynamic offense led by Jalen Brunson, who averaged 115.8 points per game. Their defense proved formidable, limiting opponents to 111.7 points. Despite a commendable playoff run defeating teams like the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics, the Knicks made the surprising decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau, a move that was unexpected given the support from key players like Brunson and Josh Hart. Hart publicly expressed his gratitude for Thibodeau’s contributions through social media, highlighting Thibodeau’s impact on the franchise’s success over his five-season tenure, including four playoff appearances and a total of 24 postseason wins, surpassing the combined total of the previous coaches.