Former New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau hasn’t said much publicly since his stunning dismissal this summer — but his recent move has fans talking.
The 67-year-old coach, who led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, recently resurfaced at a Boston Celtics practice, lending his trademark defensive insight to the team that New York eliminated just months ago.
The twist? The Knicks are still paying him at least $30 million, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
From Madison Square Garden to Boston’s Practice Floor
Celtics star Jaylen Brown revealed that Thibodeau didn’t just drop by — he rolled up his sleeves.
“I think that was awesome having Thibs,” Brown said. “Obviously, they eliminated us last year, so him being able to give us some of the thoughts that he saw in that series and some of the stuff that they broke down in our personnel — or even our team — helps us grow and learn from that.”
Brown said Thibodeau dove deep into film breakdowns with him, Jayson Tatum, and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, offering a detailed look at how New York exposed Boston’s weaknesses during last year’s playoffs.
“He was breaking down some film and stuff like that, talking to Joe,” Brown continued. “From a team perspective and from a top-down perspective — what he wanted to do with me and Jayson, what he wanted to do when the ball was in my hands. It allows you to grow if you’re humble enough to listen.”
Mazzulla Welcomes Thibs With Open Arms
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who guided Boston to the 2024 NBA championship, welcomed Thibodeau with open arms and listening ears.
“He won a championship here — just having him around makes me better, makes our organization better,” Mazzulla said. “It’s a lot of respect for him.”
Thibodeau served as Doc Rivers’ defensive coordinator when the Celtics won their last title in 2008. His return to the franchise where he once built his defensive legacy now helps the team that dethroned the Knicks in the Eastern Conference hierarchy.
Still on the Knicks’ Payroll
Despite the split, Thibodeau remains on the Knicks’ books — and for a hefty price.
“Worth noting: Knicks owe Tom Thibodeau at least $30 million guaranteed on his recently signed extension,” SNY’s Ian Begley reported in June. “Also worth noting: NYK won a playoff series in three straight years under Thibodeau — from 2001 to 2020, they won just one series. He built a winning foundation here.”
Thibodeau left New York as the fourth-winningest coach in franchise history with 226 victories, trailing only Jeff Van Gundy, Joe Lapchick and Red Holzman. He was also the first coach since Pat Riley (1994–95) to deliver back-to-back 50-win seasons.
A Classy Goodbye — With One Omission
After his firing, Thibodeau bought a full-page ad in The New York Times to thank Knicks fans — but notably, he didn’t mention owner James Dolan or team president Leon Rose, the men who made the decision to part ways.
“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 dreams became a reality.”
“I’m 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.”
The heartfelt message ended with praise for Knicks fans and players — but silence toward the front office spoke volumes.
Even as Thibodeau helps the Celtics sharpen their edge, his fingerprints remain all over New York’s rise from irrelevance to contention. Whether his wisdom will one day come back to haunt the Knicks remains to be seen — but one thing’s for sure: his impact on both franchises now runs deep.
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