Knicks 0-5 in Coaching Search While Tom Thibodeau Goes Out With Grace

The Knicks are in limbo. They fired Tom Thibodeau just days after their deepest playoff run in 25 years and now theyre getting stonewalled in their hunt for a replacement.

New York has already been denied permission to speak with four head coaches: Jason Kidd, Chris Finch, Ime Udoka, Quin Snyder, according to ESPNs Shams Charania.

Since Shams report, it seems New York were denied once more by Chicago, Bulls Insider K.C Johnson.

The Knicks requested permission to speak to Billy Donovan for their coaching vacancy but were denied, per sources, he said. The Bulls value Donovan highly for his coaching acumen, communication skills and ability to connect with players and all members of organization.

Kidd just recently led Dallas to the Finals. Finch has Minnesota on the rise. Udoka snapped Houstons playoff drought and earned the No. 2 seed. Snyders Hawks have doubled down on his vision. Even Jay Wright, with deep ties to several Knicks players from his Villanova days, gave a firm no.

Meanwhile Thibodeau left the city the same way he arrived: with grit and gratitude.

He took out a full-page ad in The New York Times to thank fans.

Thank you, New York. pic.twitter.com/bKpZlBEgux

Tom Thibodeau (@thibodeau_96709) June 11, 2025

To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you, he wrote. When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that dream became a reality.

Thibodeau added, I am proud of everything we accomplished together, including four playoff appearances and this years run to the Eastern Conference Finals, our first in 25 years.