Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau: Ben Stiller, Josh Hart react to stunning decision by New York's front office

Thibodeau helped the Knicks reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 2000

By Cameron Salerno

Jun 3, 2025 at 3:34 pm ET • 1 min read

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Less than three days after the New York Knicks were eliminated in the Eastern Conference finals by the Indiana Pacers in six games, the franchise decided to part ways with coach Tom Thibodeau, the team announced on Tuesday. Thibodeau was hired in 2020 to take over a franchise that hadn't been to the postseason in the seven previous seasons and helped New York reach the conference finals for the first time since 2000.

Despite the Knicks having their best postseason run this century, the franchise still fired Thibodeau. New York will embark on a coaching search for the first time in five years.

The Knicks eliminated the Detroit Pistons and the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics during their playoff run to reach the conference finals. The Knicks led by as many as 17 points in the fourth quarter during Game 1 against Indiana before the Pacers mounted a stunning comeback to win 138-135 in overtime to take a 1-0 series lead.

Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau: New York moves on from coach after Eastern Conference finals exit

Sam Quinn

That collapse marked the beginning of the end of the Knicks' magical postseason run. Shortly after Thibodeau's firing, Knicks players and the NBA world reacted, including current guard Josh Hart.

Forever Grateful 🧡💙 Thank You! https://t.co/a81D5SST1d
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) June 3, 2025

Thibodeau compiled a 226-174 record in the regular season and went 24-23 during the playoffs during his five-year stint with the Knicks.

Thank you, Coach Thibodeau. pic.twitter.com/bInhvWtxPI
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) June 3, 2025

Ben Stiller, a prominent Knicks superfan, weighed in on the decision. He called himself a fan of Thibodeau.

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. I will always be grateful for how far he brought the Knicks. They are relevant again. They are championship contenders again. The Knicks became winners…
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) June 3, 2025

Knicks team president Leon Rose offered a statement on the decision to fire Thibodeau: "Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the difficult decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we've decided to move in another direction."