Knicks Face Multiple Coaching Interview Rejections After Thibodeau Firing

The New York Knicks' decision to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau after a successful season, including an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, has drawn sharp criticism from NBA figures such as Charles Barkley. Barkley condemned the Knicks' leadership for making the move without a clear replacement plan, calling them "the stupidest damn people in the world" and highlighting that multiple coaching candidates have rejected interview requests from the Knicks. The team has been denied permission to interview coaches like Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, Chris Finch, and Quinn Snyder, leaving the Knicks scrambling to find a viable successor. Former Nets coach P.J. Carlesimo echoed the criticism, suggesting the Knicks often overestimate their own decision-making. Despite the availability of coaches like Mike Budenholzer, the Knicks’ front office has struggled to secure interviews, causing concern among fans and analysts about the franchise's future direction. The situation has become an embarrassment for the Knicks, who had built momentum under Thibodeau and now face uncertainty in their coaching search.