Will Rick Pitino join New York Knicks as head coach? Former Louisville coach gives honest reaction after Tom Thibodeau's dismissal

Time of India

05-06-2025

The New York Knicks' sudden decision to part ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau sent shockwaves through the basketball world, especially after the team's strong playoff performance.
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Naturally, speculation swirled about who might step into the high-pressure role next, and some eyes turned to longtime college coaching legend Rick Pitino. But during a recent public appearance in the Bronx, Pitino made it very clear: a move to Madison Square Garden is not on his agenda.
Rick Pitino shuts down New York Knicks rumors while showing support for Thibodeau
Tom Thibodeau was dismissed after five seasons as New York Knicks head coach, despite leading the team to the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals. Image via: Getty Images
Rick Pitino, now the head coach at St. John's University, was at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
But the baseball diamond didn't stop the basketball questions. When asked if he had any interest in replacing Thibodeau as head coach of the Knicks, Pitino gave a response that was both blunt and final.
'Absolutely not,' Pitino said with a smirk, quickly shutting down the conversation.
Though he firmly declined the idea of returning to the NBA sidelines, Pitino did express empathy for Thibodeau, who led the Knicks to one of their most competitive stretches in decades.
'I feel bad for Thibs because he captured all of New York, built something very, very special,' Pitino told reporters. "A lot of us don't comprehend what happened, but Thibs is going to be well taken care of and he'll move on to other pastures.
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The move to fire Thibodeau came just days after the Knicks' playoff run ended in the Eastern Conference Finals, marking their first appearance at that stage in 25 years. Under Thibodeau's leadership, New York posted back-to-back 50-win seasons, something the franchise hadn't seen since the 1990s.
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In a formal statement, Knicks president Leon Rose credited Thibodeau for his impact. "We can't thank Tom enough for pouring his heart and soul into each and every day of being the New York Knicks head coach," Rose said. "He led us not only with class and professionalism for the past five seasons, but also to tremendous success on the court... Tom will always be a part of our Knicks family and we truly wish him nothing but the best in the future.
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"Only time tells with those things," Pitino remarked when asked if the Knicks made the right call. "So we'll see."
Pitino, now 72, also shared about his career prospects. 'As long as you're mentally and physically sharp, you do it as long as you can. Because coaching is a blessing. It's the second-best thing to playing. I have been blessed with over 50 years of coaching, and I hope it continues as long as I can do it,' Pitino said (via SNY).
Pitino, known for his impressive track record both on the basketball court and in promoting academic excellence among his players, has held head coaching positions at several prominent programs. His career includes leading the University of Louisville from 2001 to 2017, highlighted by a national championship win in 2013, and guiding the University of Kentucky to the 1996 NCAA title during his tenure from 1989 to 1997.
He also coached at Providence College (1985–1987), Boston University (1978–1983), and served as interim head coach for the final six games at Hawaii during the 1975–76 season.
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So far, the Knicks' front office has yet to reveal their new potential hire for the team as head coach.