After a thrilling 2024-25 NBA season that saw the New York Knicks finish with a 51-31 record and make it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals, fans were left stunned not by the loss to the Indiana Pacers in six games but by what followed.
Despite Jalen Brunson’s postseason heroics (29.4 PPG) and Josh Hart’s all-around excellence (11.6 PPG), the team fell just short of the NBA Finals. But the real shocker came three days later when head coach Tom Thibodeau was fired on Tuesday, June 3.
Every Head Coach of the New York Knicks
As the Knicks begin the hunt for their next leader, let’s take a look back at every head coach in franchise history, from legends like Red Holzman to short-term fill-ins.
Tom Thibodeau (2020–2025)
The most recent and one of the most successful coaches in recent memory, Tom Thibodeau led the Knicks to the playoffs four times in five years. His biggest achievement? Taking the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.
“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,” wrote Hollywood celebrity Ben Stiller about Thibodeau on X.
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…
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) June 3, 2025
Under his leadership, the team won 226 out of 400 games, finishing with a .565 winning percentage.
Mike Miller (2019–2020)
Mike Miller was the assistant coach of the New York Knicks and was promoted to interim head coach on Dec. 6, 2019, following David Fizdale’s firing.
We can say that Miller stepped in during a chaotic period and managed to steady the ship. He led the Knicks to a (17–27) record during his short tenure. While not a long-term solution, Miller was respected for his calm presence and development-focused approach.
David Fizdale (2018–2019)
David Fizdale joined the Knicks in 2018 as the head coach and had also signed a four-year deal with the team. He came in with high expectations but struggled with the young roster.
He coached only 104 games and won just 21, leading to his dismissal early in his second season. Despite the struggles, his emphasis on player relationships left a mixed legacy.
Jeff Hornacek (2016–2018)
Jeff Hornacek joined the Knicks in June of 2016 after he was fired by the Phoenix Suns in February of that year.
His stint was marked by inconsistent rotations and roster instability. Over two seasons, he posted a 60–104 record. His inability to find a consistent system hindered the Knicks’ progress during a rebuilding phase, and he was fired in April of 2018.
“We thought it was important, and the timing was right, to get a new voice and a new presence in this locker room to lead our vision for this team moving forward,” said the then-GM of the Knicks, Scott Perry.
Kurt Rambis (2016)
Kurt Rambis served as interim coach for just 28 games after Derek Fisher’s firing, going 9–19. He focused on defensive principles but wasn’t retained beyond the season.
Derek Fisher (2014–2016)
A former player turned coach, Fisher struggled to adjust to the coaching role. He signed a five-year, $25 million deal while joining the Knicks, but went on to deliver the worst franchise record of (17-65) in his first season.
He went (40–96) in his Knicks tenure and was fired midway through his second season.
“This is a very talented team with strong character, and I am confident they will succeed. Obviously, I’m disappointed, but have learned an immense amount from this experience and hope to grow from it,” Fisher said after he was fired.
Mike Woodson (2012–2014)
In 2012–13, Mike Woodson guided the Knicks to a record of 54 wins and helped them advance into the second round of the playoffs. He ended his coaching time with a record of 109 wins and 79 losses.
Mike D’Antoni (2008–2012)
Known for his offensive flair, Mike D’Antoni brought pace and excitement to the Garden. Though his 121–167 record lacked playoff success, his development of players like Jeremy Lin was memorable.
Isiah Thomas (2006–2008)
Isiah Thomas had a controversial reign marked by off-court issues and poor on-court performance. His teams went 56–108, and his front-office decisions hurt the franchise’s trajectory.
Larry Brown (2005–2006)
A Hall of Fame coach, Larry Brown’s lone season with the Knicks ended with a disappointing 23–59 record. His tenure was marred by clashes with players and management.
Herb Williams (2004 and 2005)
Herb Williams briefly served as interim coach after Lenny Wilkens resigned in 2005, going 16–27. A longtime assistant and former Knicks player, he provided continuity during a turbulent period. Moreover, the Knicks even played one game under him in the 2003-04 season, when head coach Don Chaney was fired.
Lenny Wilkens (2004–2005)
One of the NBA’s winningest coaches, Wilkens couldn’t replicate his past success in New York. He resigned with a 40–41 record and little playoff success.
Don Chaney (2001–2004)
Chaney’s time included playoff droughts and roster turnover. He led the team to a 72–112 record, failing to build a competitive core.
Jeff Van Gundy (1996–2001)
Thanks to Jeff Van Gundy, the team had a strong playoff spirit and made it all the way to the 1999 NBA Finals. He finished with 248 wins and 172 losses.
Don Nelson (1995–1996)
Known for his unorthodox style, Don Nelson clashed with players and lasted only 59 games (34–25). His philosophies didn’t align with the roster’s strength.
Pat Riley (1991–1995)
Pat Riley transformed the Knicks into a defensive powerhouse as under his leadership, they reached the 1994 NBA Finals and tallied a 223–105 record.
John MacLeod (1990–1991)
John MacLeod went 32-35 in his single season with the Knicks. Though a respected veteran coach, he couldn’t elevate the Knicks in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Stu Jackson (1989–1990)
Stu Jackson led the Knicks to a 45–37 record and a memorable first-round win over the Boston Celtics in 1990. Despite early success, he was let go the following season. In total, he led the Knicks to 52 victories.
Rick Pitino (1987–1989)
Rick Pitino brought a high-octane style and led the Knicks to a 52–30 record and a playoff series win in 1989. He left for college basketball after two successful seasons. During his tenure with the Knicks, he contributed to a total of 90 wins.
Bob Hill (1986–1987)
Bob Hill went (20–46) in his lone season, and his short stint didn’t provide much stability to the team.
Hubie Brown (1982–1986)
Hubie Brown emphasized discipline and defensive fundamentals as he led the team to a 142-202 record and two playoff appearances.
Red Holzman (1967–1977, 1978–1982)
The most iconic coach in Knicks history, Holzman led the team to two NBA Championships (1970, 1973).
“He’s been an asset to many young coaches, and his record speaks for itself,” Hubie Brown said about Holzman.
His career 613–483 record is a franchise best.
Willis Reed (1977–1978)
The Knicks legend served briefly as head coach, finishing with a 49–47 record. His legacy was stronger as a player than a coach.
Dick McGuire (1965–1967)
A former player-turned-coach, Dick McGuire focused on player development. He went 75–103 during a rebuilding stretch.
Harry Gallatin (1964–1965)
Harry Gallatin’s tenure lasted only 63 games (25–38). He struggled to find footing with an underperforming squad.
Eddie Donovan (1961–1965)
Eddie Donovan helped draft key future players and posted an 84-194 record. His greatest impact came later as a team executive.
Carl Braun (1959–1961)
Carl Braun, a former player, coached for just one season and compiled a 40–87 record. His familiarity with the roster helped transition younger talent.
Andrew Levane (1958–1959)
Andrew Levane’s short coaching run saw little success, finishing 48–51. He later served in scouting roles for the team.
Vince Boryla (1956–1958)
Vince Boryla posted an 80–85 record, and his player background gave him locker-room credibility.
Joe Lapchick (1947–1956)
Joe Lapchick built the foundation of Knicks basketball, leading them to three Finals appearances and a 326–247 record (including both BAA and NBA).
Neil Cohalan (1946–1947)
The Knicks’ very first coach, Neil Cohalan, guided the team in its inaugural season to a 33–27 record and a playoff berth.
Now, as the Knicks seek their next leader, the franchise’s coaching history reminds fans of both its rich past and the persistent quest for glory.
