Tom Thibodeau Still Thankful After Knicks Fired Him: 'I am Grateful That the Dream Has Become a Reality'

After being fired a step shy of the NBA Finals, Tom Thibodeau opts for thankfulness over bitterness. One week after the New York Knicks' surprise move to release the veteran head coach, Thibodeau has spoken out—not in a press conference or television appearance, but in a sincere full-page New York Times advertisement.

Instead of lashing out, the 67-year-old coach thanked the city that handed him his fantasy job in 2020.

Looking Back on a Renewed Knicks Era

Tom Thibodeau Still Thankful After Knicks Fired Him

Thibodeau's tenure with the Knicks marked a significant turnaround for the franchise. Under his leadership, New York made four playoff appearances and, most notably, reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025—a feat the team hadn't accomplished in 25 years.

"To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you," he told TMZ Sports. "When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that the dream has become a reality."

The former Chicago Bulls head coach added that he was proud of what the Knicks have accomplished. The most notable run of the team was this year's campaign to the Eastern Conference finals, their first appearance in 25 years.

For Tom Thibodeau, the most memorable thing about his stay in New York is "watching The Garden come alive with Knicks energy."

Despite the emotional send-off, his exit has drawn controversy, particularly from analysts and fans who believe the dismissal was unwarranted, given the team's recent achievements.

Backlash from NBA Analysts

Charles Barkley, never one to shy away from offering his opinion, criticized the Knicks' front office for dismissing a "good coach" without a succession plan. On NBA TV, the Hall of Famer did not hesitate to say:

"The Knicks gotta be the stupidest damn people in the world. You don't fire no good coach like that and don't have a plan. Thibs did a hell of a job."

Barkley's anger resonates with countless fans who were left stunned by the move, particularly following the Knicks' furthest postseason push in years. To add insult, New York's coaching process has already run into a brick wall—multiple candidates have already turned down interviews, including Billy Donovan, after the Chicago Bulls refused to grant permission to interview him, according to Sports Illustrated.

Knicks Struggle to Fill the Coaching Void

As the Knicks move forward with this critical offseason, questions remain about their plan. To dismiss a successful coach without having a legitimate replacement in place is a risk, one that could prove costly to the franchise in terms of momentum.

The post-Thibodeau era will be a challenge for Tom's successor. It's a gamble for the Knicks, a price they have to pay.