The decision to fire Tom Thibodeau following the 2025 season was one of the most controversial moves made by the New York Knicks in recent years. After five seasons, back-to-back 50-win campaigns and the franchise’s first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, many believed Thibodeau had earned more time.
Instead, team president Leon Rose decided to make a coaching change, replacing Thibodeau with veteran coach Mike Brown.
One year later, that decision resulted in New York’s first NBA championship since 1973.
Rose explained why he ultimately decided to move in a different direction after the Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, appearing on Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart’s Roommates Show podcast.
“It was tough. Thibs is a great coach. Did so much for the organization,” Rose said. “We were right on the doorstep. Just felt that, just needed a change in voice, a change in philosophy. It was a tough move.
“Mike is a guy that really fit what we were looking for. He’s somebody that I’ve known for a long time. I represented LeBron when he coached him in Cleveland. Knew him and kind of followed him through his career. Didn’t know him that well but he always was a guy that was a good guy, that you could talk to, that you really felt good about. That was just your gut.”
Brown quickly connected with both the roster and the organization, helping guide the Knicks to a championship in his first season on the sidelines.
Rose also pointed to Brown’s willingness to listen and adapt as one of the biggest reasons he stood out during the hiring process.
“First of all, just his openness and his willingness to share ideas,” Rose said. “And share ideas with the front office, his staff and the inclusion of everyone. I think you guys probably saw that. He really was open to things, open to people’s suggestions, open to ideas.”
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