Mike Brown is entering his first season as New York’s head coach after Knicks management decided to move on from Tom Thibodeau. Brown knows that the expectations of Knicks fans are big, especially after his predecessor led the team to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Yet Brown has had to deal with questions left and right about his own coaching style versus what Thibodeau did in New York. It’s not like Brown hasn’t had previous NBA head coaching experience because he’s been around the game for so long.
The constant pressure of living up to a legacy like Thibodeau’s might weigh heavily on his head. Brown’s recent comments give a deep dive into his thought process about it.
What Did Mike Brown Say About Tom Thibodeau’s Legacy?
Ahead of the Knicks’ NBA preseason opener against the Philadelphia 76ers in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, October 2, Brown was asked whether or not he respected Thibodeau’s legacy — an interesting question, considering he’s attempting to build a legacy of his own.
Mike Brown on respecting Tom Thibodeau’s Knicks legacy while beginning his own:
“it’s not necessarily my job to respect anybody’s legacy”
“I was hired to coach this team and that’s what I’m going to do” https://t.co/HCgqE8oleo pic.twitter.com/AJ3Guc0Oz2
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) October 2, 2025
“It’s not necessarily my job to respect anybody’s legacy,” Brown told reporters. “I was hired to coach this team and that’s what I’m going to do.”
Thibodeau worked as an assistant coach with the Knicks from 1995 to 2003 before joining the Houston Rockets’ coaching staff for four seasons. He then spent three seasons with the Boston Celtics.
Thibodeau was then the head coach of the Knicks between 2020 and 2025. He’s one of the most well-respected head coaches who pushes his players to always give their maximum effort for 48 minutes up and down the court. Knicks fans had plenty of reason to celebrate Thibodeau’s success while also questioning some of his moves.
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Brown, though, is no slouch when it comes to the NBA coaching ranks. He has four NBA championship rings as an assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors.
Mike Brown’s Knicks have a different look 👀 pic.twitter.com/miLvnWWdMV
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) October 2, 2025
Brown also led LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers to the 2006-07 NBA Finals. Last season, Brown was let go after three seasons as head coach of the Sacramento Kings. He was also a head coach with the Los Angeles Lakers for two seasons.
The new Knicks coach may not be too worried about his legacy at this time. He is first and foremost concerned with getting his team ready for the 2025-26 NBA season.
Knicks brass turned the page after last season, choosing Brown’s style over Thibodeau’s. Now, it’s time to see how Brown’s coaching has helped the Knicks improve on the court, starting Thursday in the Abu Dhabi NBA preseason matchup.
