Ex-Knicks coach says goodbye as team struggles to replace him

As the New York Knicks continue to hit roadblocks in their hunt for a head coach, the one they fired last week bid farewell to the team and fans on Wednesday.

Tom Thibodeau said his goodbyes in a full-page advertisement he took out in The New York Times, reflecting on his five seasons as head coach.

"To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you," his message began.

His firing by team president Leon Rose came three days after a season-ending Game 6 loss to the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, the farthest the Knicks had advanced in the postseason in a quarter-century.

"When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that dreams became a reality. Thank you to our players and coaching staff who gave everything they had, and to everyone who makes this franchise special. I am proud of everything we accomplished together, including four playoff appearances and this year's run to the Eastern Conference finals -- our first in 25 years."

Where Rose goes from here to hire a coach remains to be seen.

Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that the Mavericks declined the Knicks' request to speak to Jason Kidd, who has a 179-149 record since being hired as head coach of Dallas ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Multiple reports Tuesday said the Minnesota Timberwolves and Houston Rockets rejected the Knicks' request to talk with their head coaches -- Chris Finch and Ime Udoka, respectively -- about the job.

Thibodeau, 67, compiled a 226-174 (.565) record in the regular season, including a 51-31 finish this season. He was 24-23 in the playoffs with New York.

In July 2024, Thibodeau signed a three-year extension through 2027-28 that was worth a reported $10 million to $11 million per season.

Kidd signed a multiyear contract extension with Dallas in May 2024.

--Field Level Media