Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2: "Who Will Replace Thibodeau in NY?, Vincent Goodwill"

Release Date: June 4, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Dan Patrick Show," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, Dan Patrick and his co-hosts delve deep into the recent firing of Tom Thibodeau as the head coach of the New York Knicks. Joined by special guest Vincent Goodwill from Yahoo Sports, the discussion navigates through the reasons behind the managerial decision, evaluates potential replacement candidates, and analyzes the broader implications for the Knicks' future.

Tom Thibodeau's Firing: Overachievement or Underperformance?

The episode kicks off with a heated debate about the New York Knicks' decision to fire Tom Thibodeau, despite the team reaching the Eastern Conference Finals—an achievement many did not foresee.

Dan Patrick expresses confusion over the decision:

"When does management decide that Tom Thibodeau is not the right guy for the job? Was it that game one and then game two? Was it when he went to his bench finally?" ([00:18])

Co-hosts highlight that the Knicks might have been overachieving under Thibodeau, questioning whether the expectations set by the franchise were too high despite the team's performance.

Tom Brokaw adds:

"If you make the Eastern Conference finals in a year where nobody expected you to get out of the second round... and that's not enough for you to keep your job, that meant that nothing was going to enable you to keep your job." ([19:26])

Poll Results: "Nutsy or Gutsy?"

Dan Patrick introduces a poll regarding Thibodeau's firing, revealing that 83% of listeners deem the move "nutsy."

"We put up there the Knicks are nutsy or gutsy by firing their head Coach... 83% are saying nutsy." ([03:27])

Potential Replacements for Thibodeau

The core of the discussion revolves around identifying a suitable successor for Thibodeau. Several coaching candidates are evaluated:

1. Michael Malone (Denver Nuggets)

   • Pros: Proven track record, currently leading the Nuggets.
   • Cons: Similar managerial style to Thibodeau, potential lack of innovation.

   Tom Brokaw questions:

   "Wasn't Michael Malone fired in large part because of his inability to work with the front office to develop young players? Isn't that one of the complaints about Tom Thibodeau?" ([23:38])

2. Johnny Bryant (Cleveland Cavaliers Assistant)

   • Pros: Experience as an associate head coach.
   • Cons: Limited visibility, uncertain adaptability to Knicks' environment.

3. Jay Wright, Mike Budenhoser, Rick Brunson, Monty Williams, John Calipari, Danny Hurley, Jeff Van Gundy, Rick Pitino

   • Each candidate is briefly discussed, weighing their strengths and potential fit. Notably, Danny Hurley is scrutinized for his temperament and suitability under the intense New York media scrutiny.

   Tom Brokaw remarks on Hurley:

   "I don't think Danny Hurley has the sort of temperament... the scrutiny of the New York media." ([25:17])

Insights from Vincent Goodwill

Vincent Goodwill provides an in-depth analysis of the Knicks' situation:

• Overachievement Argument: Despite Thibodeau's success in leading the Knicks to unforeseen heights, the Knicks' management possibly deemed that the organizational structure and roster were not aligned for sustained success.

• Roster Challenges: The Knicks' roster is described as "top-heavy," with significant investment but lacking depth and versatility. Issues between key players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson are highlighted as detrimental to team chemistry.

  Goodwill states:

  "They are second apron team... maybe that's the reason." ([23:38])

• Defensive Concerns: The team’s defensive shortcomings, particularly Carl-Anthony Towns' inability to defend effectively, are examined as factors that might have influenced the decision to part ways with Thibodeau.

  Goodwill comments:

  "We've already seen... Carl Anthony Towns, that he can't play defense." ([27:12])

Team Chemistry and Player Dynamics

The hosts discuss the interplay between offensive prowess and defensive weaknesses within the Knicks:

• Offense vs. Defense: Carl-Anthony Towns’ offensive talent is contrasted with his defensive limitations. The team’s reliance on his scoring is seen as a potential vulnerability.

  Tom Brokaw notes:

  "We saw Carl Towns with Rudy Gobert... they surround him with defensive players." ([27:12])

• Jalen Brunson's Role: Brunson’s limited defense and its impact on the team’s dynamics are debated, suggesting that without a strong defensive backbone, the Knicks’ prospects remain uncertain.

Management and Media Expectations

The intense scrutiny from New York's media and the high expectations from the fanbase place additional pressure on the Knicks' management. The hosts argue that despite success, the lack of clear communication from management regarding their decision leaves fans frustrated and seeking accountability.

Dan Patrick emphasizes:

"If you make a move, you fire a coach or hire a coach, you should get in front of the media... you got to get in front of the media here, right?" ([22:20])

Conclusion: The Future of the New York Knicks

As the episode wraps up, the consensus among the hosts and Vincent Goodwill is that the Knicks' management faces the challenge of aligning their high expectations with realistic team capabilities. The firing of Tom Thibodeau, while controversial, might signal a shift towards a different organizational strategy, albeit one that requires careful selection of a coach who can navigate both the team's talent and the pressures of New York City's sports landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick ([00:18]): "When does management decide that Tom Thibodeau is not the right guy for the job?"

• Tom Brokaw ([19:26]): "If you make the Eastern Conference finals... that's not enough for you to keep your job."

• Vincent Goodwill ([23:38]): "They are second apron team... maybe that's the reason."

• Tom Brokaw ([27:12]): "We've already seen... Carl Anthony Towns, that he can't play defense."

• Dan Patrick ([22:20]): "If you make a move, you fire a coach or hire a coach, you should get in front of the media."

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the New York Knicks' recent coaching changes, exploring the intricate balance between team performance, management expectations, and media pressures. With expert insights from Vincent Goodwill, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in professional sports management and the challenging path ahead for the Knicks.