Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast – Episode: Hour 1: Knicks Fire Thibs

Release Date: June 3, 2025

In this compelling episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve deep into the unexpected dismissal of Tom Thibodeau (commonly known as "Thibs") as the head coach of the New York Knicks. Released just an hour after the shocking announcement, the trio provides immediate reactions, analysis, and speculation on the implications for the Knicks' future.

**1. Shock and Immediate Reactions

Alan Rosenberg kicks off the discussion with palpable surprise:

Alan Hahn ([00:49]): "I am officially stunned right now with the news Sham Charania reporting it minutes ago that the Knicks are firing Tom Thibodeau. I'm as shocked as Jalen Brunson might have been when he found out."

Don Hahn echoes this sentiment, expressing disbelief over the sudden decision:

Don Hahn ([00:57]): "Well, when you fire a coach, I don't care what sport it is, when you fire a coach, you're saying that we can't get there because of him."

**2. Analyzing the Reasons Behind the Firing

The hosts explore potential motivations for the Knicks' decision. Don questions whether Thibs was indeed the obstacle to the team's championship aspirations:

Don Hahn ([02:54]): "Can you honestly say that Tibbs is holding them back? We have the talent, we've got the roster."

Alan considers organizational sentiments, suggesting that persistent internal frustrations may have culminated in this move:

Alan Hahn ([04:36]): "I'm telling you, as shocked as I am about this move, again, it's not surprising because of all the talk that has followed him all playoffs."

Don further probes into whether Thibs failed to lead the team to the "promised land" of an NBA championship:

Don Hahn ([07:52]): "Is there somebody he'll get you there, but can he get you the championship?"

**3. Impact on Key Players and Organizational Dynamics

Jalen Brunson's loyalty and importance to the franchise come under scrutiny. Don speculates on how the firing might affect Brunson:

Don Hahn ([04:36]): "What does this do to Brunson? Brunson is the face of your franchise."

Alan points out that such a significant decision likely involved player input, suggesting a collective organizational shift:

Alan Hahn ([13:00]): "And I have, I've Tried to convince myself and anybody listening that I feel like he is... Also, like I said, I would also..."

**4. Potential Candidates for the New Coach

The conversation transitions to potential replacements for Thibs. Alan contemplates possible names, considering experience and past success:

Alan Hahn ([22:46]): "What I have, just off the top of my head, I'm trying to scratch a couple of possible names."

Don emphasizes the necessity of hiring someone with a proven track record:

Don Hahn ([17:50]): "This is going to be a coach that's going to also now. It's got to take a lot of money."

Peter adds skepticism about unconventional choices, dismissing Jay Wright as a likely candidate:

Peter Rosenberg ([18:05]): "To me it's not enough. To me, he's not some sure thing in the NBA."

**5. Comparisons to Past Knicks Coaching Changes

The hosts draw parallels between Thibs' firing and previous Knicks coaching upheavals, notably Jeff Van Gundy's tenure:

Alan Hahn ([14:16]): "And it feels like the same exact script."

Don recalls historic moments, likening the current situation to the aftermath of the 2017 Joe Girardi firing:

Don Hahn ([33:11]): "So, you know, and the last time something like this happened in New York..."

**6. Fan Reactions and Caller Perspectives

Listener engagement is evident as callers express their dismay and confusion over the abrupt coaching change. One caller articulates the community's frustration:

Caller ([34:13]): "I feel physically ill. I'm having a hard time focusing. ... I feel like Dolan, he deserved. We deserve more. We need to know more."

Alan and Don respond empathetically, acknowledging the fans' emotional investment:

Alan Hahn ([35:11]): "All of a sudden now you lose to a patch."

**7. Looking Forward: Knicks' Future Prospects

The discussion concludes with thoughts on what this coaching change means for the Knicks' trajectory. Alan expresses cautious optimism, referencing the franchise's potential to reach greater heights with the right leadership:

Alan Hahn ([31:32]): "And you get to [trust Leon Rose]. But there is always going to be apprehension from a fan because of history..."

Don underscores the critical nature of selecting the right coach to harness the team's existing talent:

Don Hahn ([43:39]): "But you can't do this without knowing who the next guy is. Because that's part of the process."

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn ([00:49]): "I am officially stunned right now with the news Sham Charania reporting it minutes ago that the Knicks are firing Tom Thibodeau."
• Don Hahn ([00:57]): "When you fire a coach... you're saying that we can't get there because of him."
• Don Hahn ([04:36]): "What does this do to Brunson? Brunson is the face of your franchise."
• Don Hahn ([17:50]): "This is going to be a coach that's going to also now. It's got to take a lot of money."
• Peter Rosenberg ([18:05]): "To me, he's not some sure thing in the NBA."
• Caller ([34:13]): "I feel like Dolan, he deserved. We deserve more. We need to know more."

Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg offers an in-depth and emotional exploration of the Knicks' decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau. Balancing immediate reactions with thoughtful analysis, the hosts navigate the complex interplay of organizational strategy, player dynamics, and fan expectations. As the Knicks stand at a crossroads, the discussion underscores the high stakes involved in selecting the next head coach and the broader implications for the franchise's pursuit of an NBA championship.