With grace, Tom Thibodeau responded to the New York Knicks’ unexpected firing. A week after his dismissal, he published a full-page ad in The New York Times to express his gratitude to the fans and staff. His calm, respectful gesture followed a successful five-year run that included four playoff appearances and back-to-back 50-win seasons.
In the ad titled “Thank You,” Thibodeau called coaching the Knicks his dream job. He thanked the team, staff, and city, saying he was proud of their accomplishments. He also mentioned the team’s recent Eastern Conference finals appearance, their first in 25 years, as a highlight of his time with the franchise.
Tom Thibodeau took out a full page ad in the New York Times to thank his former players, coaching staff and Knicks fans 💯
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 11, 2025
(via @nytimes) pic.twitter.com/AVdnyXw109
The decision to fire Thibodeau surprised many. Knicks fans, players, and media personalities questioned why the team would part ways with a coach who helped bring the franchise back to relevance. Actor Ben Stiller, a well-known Knicks supporter, praised Thibodeau on social media, saying he made the team winners again.
Thibodeau’s farewell with his message reminded him how much he cared for the city and the responsibility. Now, the Knicks. Will move forward, but they do so without the coach who helped turn their fortunes around.
Tom Thibodeau Shapes New York Knicks’ Success
The Knicks stunned the league by firing Head Coach Tom Thibodeau just days after their Eastern Conference Finals Exit. His five-year tenure marked a significant turnaround for a franchise that had struggled for years.
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Before Thibodeau arrived in 2020, the Knicks lacked direction and had not made the playoffs since 2013. Under his leadership, they made four playoff appearances and posted one of the NBA’s top eight win rates.
Despite criticism over his rotations and player workload, Thibodeau’s impact on the Knicks’ depth, defense, and expectations was visible. His discipline and determination took the team in a new direction towards success. He leaves behind a much stronger and more competitive team that he made from scratch.
