Did The Knicks Make The Right Call In Firing Tom Thibodeau?

The New York Knicks are off to a 5–3 start in the 2025–26 season, which, while not terrible, has already prompted fans to question whether the team’s decision to fire Tom Thibodeau was the right one. Although the sample size is small, the early results and how the team is performing are enough to spark debate among fans and media about the controversial coaching change. 

The Knicks front office surprisingly dismissed Thibodeau after he guided them to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, replacing him with two-time Coach of the Year Mike Brown. The decision shocked many, given Thibodeau’s success, but management clearly felt the team had plateaued and needed a fresh approach to compete for a championship. 

The philosophical differences are very evident. While Brown has improved the Knicks’ pace from 26th to 23rd and their three-point attempt rate from 28th to third, the defensive identity that defined Thibodeau’s teams has seemingly disappeared. “Thibs” was notoriously known for playing his starters heavy minutes, with the Knicks' bench playing the least frequently and producing the least scoring of any team in the league. Brown, on the other hand, has shown a willingness to spread his minutes more evenly and utilize a nine-man rotation. Whereas Thibodeau ran a tighter ship, Brown’s message of effort, urgency, and pride comes with more flexibility. 

While it is far too early for definitive judgment, Brown’s system has shown promise in flashes as the players get used to the new system, especially converting from a slower pace into Brown’s more player-friendly, fast-paced, motion-heavy offense that welcomes the long-range shot. With championship aspirations and a weakened Eastern Conference, the Knicks are betting and the fans are hoping that Brown can take the team to yet another level. Whether that gamble pays off remains one of the season’s more compelling questions.