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[Saba Sports News] Tom Thibodeau may not be thrilled about being let go by the New York Knicks after leading the team on an impressive postseason run, but he’s handling the unexpected exit with class.
In a full-page ad published in The New York Times on Wednesday, the former Knicks head coach expressed heartfelt gratitude to the players, coaching staff, and fans who supported him over the past five seasons.
While Thibodeau thanked “everyone who makes this franchise special,” he notably did not mention team owner James Dolan or any members of the front office.
“To the best city in the world with the best fans in the world: Thank you,” Thibodeau wrote. “When I was hired in 2020, I said this was my dream job. I am grateful that dream 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.
“And to the fans, thank you for believing in me and embracing me from day one. Watching you support our team, and seeing the Garden ignite with that incomparable Knicks energy, is something I will never forget.”
Thibodeau’s reference to the Knicks’ first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a quarter-century—and back-to-back 50-win seasons—only underscores how surprising his dismissal was. While new details have since surfaced about the front office’s reasoning, many around the league believe the 67-year-old coach had more than earned the right to stay.
Thibodeau didn’t have to issue any public statement at all, let alone a full-page ad. But his decision to do so speaks volumes about his character and the respect he still holds for the city, the fans, and the players he led.