2025 New York Knicks Next Head Coach Odds: Who Will Replace Thibodeau?

The New York Knicks fired head coach Tom Thibodeau on Tuesday, just two days before the NBA Finals begin between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Thibodeau led the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000, where they fell to the Pacers in six games. In five seasons, he guided New York to four playoff appearances and a 226-174 regular-season record (24-23 in the playoffs).

The move shocked the NBA world, including players and fans.

Knicks guard Josh Hart posted on X: “Forever Grateful. Thank You!”

Actor and Knicks superfan Ben Stiller wrote: “I am a Tom Thibodeau fan. He brought this team back. I felt he gave every bit of himself and was always looking to improve. I will always be grateful for how far he brought the Knicks. They are relevant again. They are championship contenders again. The Knicks became winners again with him. Thank you, COACH THIBS.”

The Knicks said in a statement: “Our organization is singularly focused on winning a championship for our fans,” adding, “Ultimately, we made the decision we feel is best for our organization moving forward.”

The 2024-25 campaign was seen as a success in the Big Apple, which hasn’t celebrated an NBA title in 52 years. The Knicks knocked out the defending champion Celtics in the second round and came within two wins of the NBA Finals —but are still chasing their first title since 1973.

NBA odds are projected and do not reflect any odds that may be available at legal betting sites or betting apps.

Mike Malone (+300)
Fired midseason by Denver just two years after winning a title, Malone previously worked as a Knicks assistant and is a Queens native.

Doc Rivers (+450)
Currently coaching the Bucks, Rivers has held five NBA head-coaching jobs, including stints with the Magic, Celtics, Clippers, and Sixers.

Johnnie Bryant (+500)
A former Knicks associate head coach (2020–24), Bryant now holds the same role with the Cavaliers and knows the East well.

Jay Wright (+500)
The former Villanova coach has never led an NBA team, but coached current Knicks Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges. He’s been a TV analyst since 2022.

Chris Quinn (+950)
A long-time Heat assistant, Quinn has subbed for Erik Spoelstra but hasn’t been a head coach.

Taylor Jenkins (+1200)
Fired by Memphis despite a 44-29 record and playoff berth, Jenkins could be a fresh start candidate.

Darvin Ham (+1200)
Coached the Lakers from 2022–24 and is currently the top assistant to Rivers in Milwaukee.

James Borrego (+1500)
A 25-year NBA coaching vet, Borrego previously led the Hornets (2018–22) and briefly served as interim head coach of the Magic. Career record: 148–183.