June 3, 2025 — New York, NY:
Just three days after falling to the Indiana Pacers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the New York Knicks have fired head coach Tom Thibodeau. The decision ends Thibodeau’s five-year tenure with the team, during which he recorded 226 regular-season wins and led the Knicks to four playoff appearances.

Thibodeau’s departure leaves a major vacancy in one of the league’s most compelling coaching positions, with New York holding a talented roster and improved championship odds heading into the 2025–26 season.

Despite the sudden coaching change, the Knicks are now tied with Indiana as the second-favorite to win the 2026 NBA title. Back on May 13, New York was priced at +1400; their odds have now shortened to +800. That reflects a jump from a 6.67% to 11.11% implied probability — a 66.6% increase.

Most of the odds movement is attributed to the injury of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who is expected to miss significant time with a torn Achilles. Still, the firing of Thibodeau hasn’t negatively impacted New York’s championship outlook.

Following the announcement, sportsbooks such as SportsBetting.ag have released odds on potential candidates for the Knicks’ next head coach. Leading the early speculation is Michael Malone, recently fired by the Denver Nuggets less than two years after winning the 2023 NBA title.

Other names in the mix include former Villanova coach Jay Wright and former Knicks coach and current broadcaster Jeff Van Gundy.

Rumored Candidates for Knicks Head Coach

While official odds are still forming, several candidates have emerged in speculation across betting and media circles. These include:

• Michael Malone (Former Nuggets HC)
• Willie Green (Pelicans HC)
• Chris Quinn (Heat AC)
• Taylor Jenkins (Former Grizzlies HC)
• Jared Dudley (Mavericks AC)
• Johnnie Bryant (Cavs AC)
• Jordan Ott (Cavs AC)

Knicks’ Current Assistant Coaches

The Knicks’ internal options include several experienced assistant coaches, though none are seen as front-runners:

• Andy Greer (NBA AC since 2001)
• Daniel Brady (First NBA AC role in 2023)
• Darren Erman (NBA AC since 2007)
• Mark Bryant (Hired by Knicks in 2024; NBA AC since 2004)
• Maurice Cheeks (Former NBA HC; AC since 2015)
• Rick Brunson (Hired in 2022; first AC role)

Among them, only Maurice Cheeks has previous head coaching experience but hasn’t held the top job in over a decade.

Prediction & Best Bet for Knicks’ Next Coach

Among available candidates, Michael Malone stands out as the most qualified and logical choice. The former NBA champion offers recent success and a leadership style distinct from Thibodeau’s. Jay Wright remains a compelling wildcard, but questions linger about his interest in an NBA return.

Given current betting value and credentials, Malone is considered the best bet for the next Knicks head coach.