Jason Kidd Inks Three-Year Deal with New York Knicks Following Tom Thibodeau’s Departure
New York, NY — June 4, 2025
In what is being celebrated as a major step forward for the New York Knicks organization, NBA Hall of Famer and seasoned head coach Jason Kidd has officially agreed to a three-year contract to take over as head coach of the team. The agreement comes shortly after the Knicks made the difficult decision to part ways with former head coach Tom Thibodeau, whose tenure ended following a string of underwhelming performances that ultimately cost the team a postseason berth in the 2024–2025 season.
Kidd’s arrival in New York marks a turning point for the franchise, which has long struggled to find consistent success in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. Known for his cerebral approach to the game and his ability to relate to and develop players, Kidd brings both a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree to a franchise eager for a resurgence.
Tom Thibodeau’s Exit Marks the End of an Era
Tom Thibodeau, who took the helm of the Knicks in 2020, had his fair share of highs and lows throughout his tenure. He was named NBA Coach of the Year in 2021 after leading the team to its first playoff appearance in eight years. However, subsequent seasons saw a decline in performance, marked by inconsistent play, roster challenges, and difficulty adapting to the evolving pace and style of modern NBA basketball.
Despite Thibodeau’s disciplined, defense-first coaching philosophy and his strong work ethic, the team struggled to build upon its earlier success. The 2024–25 season ended in frustration as the Knicks finished 11th in the Eastern Conference, missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Fan discontent grew louder, and internal conversations within the front office ultimately led to the decision to seek a new voice to lead the team.
“Tom has been an important part of our franchise’s recent history, and we thank him for his commitment and passion,” said Knicks President Leon Rose in a press release. “However, after careful evaluation, we believe it’s time for a new direction and a fresh perspective to take this team to the next level.”
Jason Kidd: A Champion with a Vision
Jason Kidd’s coaching résumé is impressive. After retiring from a 19-year NBA playing career—where he was a 10-time All-Star, a 1995 Rookie of the Year, and an NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks—Kidd transitioned into coaching with notable stints at the Brooklyn Nets, Milwaukee Bucks, and most recently, the Dallas Mavericks.
With the Mavericks, Kidd demonstrated his ability to coach at the highest level, guiding the team to multiple playoff appearances and playing a key role in the development of young superstar Luka Dončić. Kidd’s leadership was especially evident during Dallas’ 2022 Western Conference Finals run, a campaign that re-established the Mavericks as legitimate title contenders.
By joining the Knicks, Kidd embraces a new challenge: revitalizing a team that has not won an NBA title since 1973, despite being one of the league’s most valuable and widely followed franchises.
“I’m honored and excited to begin this new chapter with the New York Knicks,” said Kidd in a statement released this morning. “This is a proud franchise with an incredible fan base and a rich history. I’m looking forward to working with the front office, the players, and the entire organization to build something special here in New York.”
High Expectations in the Big Apple
