In a stunning shakeup following the New York Knicks’ 2025 Eastern Conference Finals exit, the organization has abruptly fired head coach Tom Thibodeau, sparking intense speculation about the team’s next move. Thibodeau, who led the Knicks to their first sustained success of the 21st century, was dismissed shortly after the Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in six games. The decision came after Knicks president Leon Rose met with the team’s top players and owner James Dolan, signaling a sharp pivot in the franchise’s championship pursuit.
Thibodeau’s tenure with the Knicks began in 2020, during which he amassed a 226-174 regular season record and a 24-23 postseason mark. Under his leadership, New York reached the conference finals for the first time since 2000. Despite this milestone, the organization felt compelled to move in a new direction, with Rose stating, “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans. This pursuit led us to the decision to inform Tom Thibodeau that we’ve decided to move in another direction.”
With the coaching vacancy now official, the Knicks have turned their attention to two high-profile NBA head coaches: Dallas Mavericks’ Jason Kidd and Houston Rockets’ Ime Udoka. Both coaches are currently under contract and considered unavailable, but sources reveal New York’s interest remains strong as they seek a fresh voice to guide the team forward.
Jason Kidd, who played his final NBA season with the Knicks in 2012-13, currently coaches the Mavericks and holds a 179-149 record over four seasons. He led Dallas to the 2024 NBA Finals and has been instrumental in developing star point guard Jalen Brunson, who was part of the Mavericks’ Western Conference Finals run during Kidd’s first season as head coach in 2021-22. Kidd also maintains a close relationship with Giannis Antetokounmpo, a former player he coached with the Milwaukee Bucks, which could prove valuable given the looming offseason discussions around Antetokounmpo’s future.
However, acquiring Kidd would be no simple feat. He has two years remaining on his contract extension, signed amid the Mavericks’ recent playoff successes. While reports indicate that the Mavericks’ stance on releasing Kidd is not as unequivocal as Houston’s position on Udoka, it is widely expected that Dallas would resist any attempts by New York to initiate coaching interviews.
Ime Udoka’s case is even more clear-cut. The Rockets, who endured one of the NBA’s worst three-year stretches from 2020 to 2023, have experienced a remarkable turnaround under Udoka’s leadership. Since his hiring in April 2023, Houston has improved dramatically, winning 41 games in his first season and 52 in the next, with Udoka finishing third in the 2024-25 Coach of the Year voting.
Udoka is midway through a four-year contract and is viewed internally as a foundational figure for the Rockets’ future. A source familiar with Houston’s thinking told The Stein Line that any request from the Knicks to speak with Udoka would be categorically rejected. There’s no indication that Udoka is seeking a move, and the Rockets have no interest in parting ways with their coach, who has become a key decision-maker in roster construction and team strategy.
Despite the clear barriers, New York’s interest in Udoka may serve strategic purposes beyond immediate hiring plans. As Ian Begley of SNY notes, the Knicks’ reported intrigue could bolster Udoka’s market value ahead of anticipated contract extension talks with Houston. Coaches rarely enter the final year of their deals without negotiations, and external interest can strengthen Udoka’s leverage in securing a more lucrative or longer-term agreement.
Adding to the intrigue, NBA insider Marc Stein highlighted that the Knicks’ coaching search is part of a broader league trend where teams sometimes change coaches even after deep playoff runs. Law Murray, an NBA analyst, pointed out that since 2003, six teams have replaced their head coaches following Conference Finals appearances, including the 2022 Celtics with Udoka himself and several Detroit Pistons teams under different coaches. This context underscores that New York’s decision, while surprising to some, aligns with a pattern of teams seeking fresh leadership to push for titles.
Meanwhile, other names reportedly in the Knicks’ consideration for the head coaching role include Jay Wright and Johnnie Bryant, both respected figures with strong coaching pedigrees. However, the allure of Kidd and Udoka—coaches with proven track records and ties to successful franchises—makes them the primary focus of New York’s search.
The Knicks face a challenging offseason as they navigate the complexities of hiring a new coach amid tight league restrictions and contractual commitments. The Rockets’ categorical refusal to allow Udoka interviews and the anticipated firm stance from the Mavericks on Kidd mean that New York may have to look elsewhere or negotiate costly compensation packages if they pursue these candidates. Moreover, with the Lakers reportedly interested in Kidd to replace Darvin Ham, the coaching carousel is poised to become even more dynamic.
For the Knicks, the stakes could not be higher. After a promising 2025 playoff run that ended in disappointment, the franchise is eager to capitalize on its momentum and build on the foundation laid by Thibodeau. The coaching decision will be pivotal in determining whether New York can break through to championship contention in the coming years.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the Knicks resolve their coaching vacancy. Will they succeed in luring a top-tier coach like Kidd or Udoka, or will they pivot to emerging candidates? One thing remains clear: the Knicks are committed to making bold moves in pursuit of NBA glory.
