Tom Thibodeau, who has led the New York Knicks to the playoffs three times in four seasons, has agreed to extend his contract for three more years, according to a person familiar with the details on Wednesday.
Under Thibodeau’s leadership, the Knicks have reached the Eastern Conference semifinals in consecutive seasons, a significant improvement for a team that was struggling before his arrival.
Thibodeau had one year left on his current contract before this extension, which was initially reported by ESPN and confirmed by The Associated Press anonymously because it hadn’t been officially announced yet.
Twice named NBA Coach of the Year, Thibodeau earned the award most recently in 2020-21 after guiding the Knicks to a 50-32 record, their best since winning 54 games in 2012-13.
They narrowly missed reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in over two decades.
A native of Connecticut and a longtime Knicks fan, Thibodeau returned to the team in 2020 following a seven-year playoff drought. In his first season, he led the Knicks to a 41-31 record and has amassed a 175-143 record over four seasons, ranking fifth in coaching wins in franchise history.
The Knicks have been active in the offseason, extending All-Star guard Jalen Brunson’s contract, acquiring Mikal Bridges via trade, and re-signing OG Anunoby. Thibodeau’s extension was expected as part of their ongoing plans.
