Why Knicks Fans Demanding Thibs’ Return Is Unrealistic and Unfair to Mike Brown
As a long-term fan of the NBA's Miami Heat, I can partially relate to the frustrations that New York Knicks fans are currently having. I’ve been there before, thinking your squad has a winning roster, yet repeatedly watching them lose games they should win. However, unlike supporters of the orange and royal blue franchise, I’ve never questioned the abilities of Miami Heat’s head coach, Erik Spoelstra, in his almost 20-year tenure. And right now, the Knicks are in the midst of a mini coaching crisis.
After losing at home to the Dallas Mavericks, 114-97, which capped a four-game losing streak for the Knicks, New York fans erupted in their anger. Heck, home-team fans were booing the Knicks at the half, feeling there was no reason for the team to be losing to the Mavericks, who aren’t faring well this season (the Mavericks are 18-26 as of publication) and were without stars Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis.
For the second straight night the Knicks hear loud boos from the MSG crowd. pic.twitter.com/EhWBDKCios
— KNICKS BEAST (@KnicksBeast) January 19, 2026
Naturally, looking for someone to blame for New York’s recent failures, it appears a lot of the blame is being placed on Coach Mike Brown’s shoulders. So much so, many Knicks supporters want former coach Tom Thibodeau to return. But is Thib really the answer?
Tracy McGrady Adds Fuel to the Fire
Again, fans aren’t happy, and they aren’t the only ones. Former NBA player and current commentator Tracy McGrady was doing his job during the January 19th game and offered his opinion on the Knicks’ poor style of play. He noted, “The identity is gone. Last year, they [the Knicks] had an identity. Thibs was all about defense…The scheme Thibs had for this team fit the personnel they have.” Check out the clip below.
Tracy McGrady on the Knicks poor defense
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) January 19, 2026
"The identity is gone. Last year they had an identity. Thibs was all about defense. We didn't see KAT out of position like hes been these last 8-10 games. We didn't see Brunson getting blown by. The scheme Thibs had for this team fit the… pic.twitter.com/OwYCwx7StS
Although I won’t solely blame McGrady’s analysis, his strong words didn’t help with the outcry from people wanting Thib to return to coach the Knicks, replacing Brown.
This is a Knicks Twitter petition to bring Coach Thibs back home to New York.@thibodeau_96709 don't worry @NYK_Mentality85 got you.
— NYKMentality85 (@NYK_Mentality85) January 20, 2026
(Sign your name below).
1.) x____ NYKMentality85___ pic.twitter.com/Gt6PcWutcY
Mike Brown just sucks, Knicks finding out sooner rather than 3 years in. Bring Thibs back!
— jota35 (@jota355) January 20, 2026
I miss Coach Thibs. What even is this NY Knicks team? Such a joke. pic.twitter.com/9QhBMqniJI
— The George Vol 2! (@George22buckets) January 19, 2026
The Mike Brown Knicks are a disgrace.
— All Rice (@thats_bb_suzyn) January 20, 2026
Look at this crap. No effort on defense. Lazy offense.
Yes, Thibs ran his players into the ground. But that was a feature, not a bug.
I hope Dolan realizes what a mistake he made. pic.twitter.com/1R9mrV19Sc
It simply was not worth the risk for the Knicks to fire Tom Thibodeau.
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) January 19, 2026
It was a team with steady progression and a clear identity, a team that came just a game away from the NBA Finals.
Thibs had his flaws but the decision to fire him was as reckless as it was proactive. The…
Thibodeau’s Record Coaching the Knicks
According to CBS Sports, over five years as head coach of the New York Knicks, Thib’s regular season record was 226-174, winning about 56.5% of his games. Additionally, he was named Coach of the Year for the 2020-21 season, took the team to four postseason runs, and even led the Knicks in their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years. Overall, Thib had quite the resume with the Knicks, yet he was let go after the team failed to beat the Indiana Pacers in an Eastern Conference Finals series that many people feel the Knicks should have won.
That being said, as impressive as his tenure was, he didn’t guide the team to a championship. With all due respect to him, his missing championship rings are what have earned him the most criticism for his career. He has a great ability to lead teams and gets players to play his signature form of defense, but he can’t get them across the finish line. A fact New York fans seem to be forgetting.
Mike Brown’s Growing Unpopularity in New York Isn’t Justified
Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images
Heading to the Big Apple, Brown helped the 2003 Spurs capture a championship as an assistant coach and helped the Warriors capture three while serving in an assistant role. Brown also holds the distinct honor of being the first head coach of the Cavaliers to guide the team to an NBA Finals.
In terms of his first year with the Knicks, as of publication, the team is 25-18, landing the Knicks in the third spot in the Eastern Conference. Additionally, his leadership led to the team capturing the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup. So while the team is currently on a skid, he’s done a pretty good job in his first time coaching the team.
My advice for Knicks fans is to give Brown some time. It’s natural for teams to hit a slump. It’s too early to tell if the Knicks are one brutal lockeroom team meeting or a provocative trade away from redirecting this ship in the right direction. Plus, if fans were willing to give Thib five years, Brown certainly deserves one. Oh, and by the way, there’s no word that Thib even wants the job back.
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