Knicks Part Ways with Thibodeau After Playoff Run
Last month, the New York Knicks finally made it to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years, and many believed head coach Tom Thibodeau played a significant role in ending the team’s playoff drought. However, in a surprising move, the organization decided to fire him on Tuesday.
While the Indiana Pacers won the series in six games and will now face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Finals, there were high hopes for Thibodeau’s return for a sixth season given the Knicks’ deep playoff run.
In light of Thibodeau’s dismissal, the Knicks have begun their search for a new head coach. Dan Hurley of UConn has been mentioned as a potential candidate, though there’s a bit of hesitation from UConn coaches about making the jump to the NBA.
Hurley, for instance, remarked, “It’s not another summer of that,” referencing previous coaching rumors surrounding him. This isn’t the first time his name has surfaced in NBA discussions. Last year, he traveled to Los Angeles to discuss vacancies with the Lakers.
Interestingly, Hurley turned down a six-year contract from the Lakers to focus on pursuing a third consecutive NCAA title with UConn, where he led the Huskies to NCAA Division I Tournament victories in 2023 and 2024.
After Hurley’s decision, the Lakers shifted their focus and hired JJ Redick, which raised some eyebrows due to Redick’s limited experience.
UConn’s performance during the 2024-25 regular season had its ups and downs, ultimately taking part as the number eight seed in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. They were eliminated in the second round by the Florida Gators, who then went on to win the National Championship.
Despite the coaching upheaval with the Knicks, Hurley chose to stay with UConn, signing a six-year extension last summer, ensuring his commitment to the Husky program through the 2029 season.
Meanwhile, in another twist, a potential candidate for the Knicks’ coaching position was taken off the board when the Phoenix Suns named Jordan Ott as their new head coach.
