Tom Thibodeau’s time in New York was undeniably successful. Over the past five seasons, he racked up 226 regular-season wins — just 30 fewer than the Knicks’ previous six head coaches combined. His 24 playoff victories were the franchise’s most since Jeff Van Gundy and exceeded the team’s total from the two decades prior to his arrival. Most notably, Thibodeau guided the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2000.
Yet on June 3, before the three-year extension he signed last summer even began, the Knicks decided to part ways with their veteran head coach.
Now, the search begins for someone who can finish what Thibodeau started — and perhaps deliver the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973. Here are a few potential candidates:
Michael Malone (Former Nuggets Head Coach)
Few coaches are as battle-tested as Malone, who led Denver to its first NBA championship in 2023 and became the franchise’s all-time wins leader. Though he was abruptly dismissed near the end of this season, his strong defensive identity and experience managing stars make him a compelling option — especially given his roots in New York. He spent two years as a Knicks assistant and is the son of longtime NBA coach Brendan Malone, who had three separate stints with the franchise.
Johnnie Bryant (Cavaliers Assistant Coach)
Bryant served as Thibodeau’s associate head coach for four seasons before joining the Cavaliers staff in 2024. Known for his strong player relationships and development chops, he’s reportedly in the running for the Suns’ vacancy and may now emerge as a leading in-house option for the Knicks. His familiarity with the roster and front office could give him an edge.
Taylor Jenkins (Former Grizzlies Head Coach)
Another surprising late-season dismissal, Jenkins turned the Grizzlies into one of the West’s most promising young teams, compiling 250 wins — a Memphis record. His ability to grow and maximize young talent could appeal to a Knicks team balancing playoff contention with roster development.
Mike Brown (Former Head Coach – Cavaliers, Lakers, Kings)
Brown has seen it all — from coaching LeBron James in Cleveland to serving as a key assistant during Golden State’s championship runs. Most recently, he ended the Kings’ 16-year playoff drought in his first season. His résumé shows he can adapt to different locker rooms and cultures, and he brings postseason pedigree to the table.
Frank Vogel (Former Head Coach – Pacers, Lakers, Suns)
Vogel led the Pacers to back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals and won an NBA title with the Lakers in 2020. While his stint with the Suns lasted just one season, he remains respected for his defensive schemes and calm leadership — a possible fit for the Knicks’ intense market.
Mike Budenholzer (Former Head Coach – Hawks, Bucks, Suns)
Budenholzer guided Milwaukee to a championship in 2021 and is known for his structured systems and regular-season success. While his stock dipped after a brief stop in Phoenix, he could re-emerge as a high-profile candidate — especially if the Knicks were to pursue a long-shot trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo, whom he coached in Milwaukee.
Jeff Van Gundy (Former Knicks, Rockets Head Coach)
A nostalgic — but unlikely — choice. Van Gundy hasn’t been a head coach since 2007, though he’s remained active in basketball, most recently joining the Clippers as an assistant. A respected voice and former Knicks leader, Van Gundy understands the pressures of Madison Square Garden better than most. While a return is improbable, it’s not impossible.
As the Knicks weigh their options, one thing is clear: whoever follows Thibodeau will inherit a team with momentum — and a fan base desperate for the next step forward.
