After reaching the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years and falling to the Indiana Pacers in six games, the New York Knicks announced on Tuesday their decision to part ways with Tom Thibodeau and begin the search for a new head coach for next season. What was Thibodeau’s salary, and how did it compare to others around the league, including Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick?
According to HoopsHype, Thibodeau ranked among the highest-paid coaches in the NBA during the 2024–25 season, with an annual salary of $11 million. Redick, meanwhile, is earning $8 million in his first year as a head coach with the Lakers, placing him in the middle of the NBA’s salary rankings. He is tied for 13th place alongside Atlanta Hawks coach Quin Snyder.
At the start of the season last October, Thibodeau was the sixth-highest-paid coach in the league. Since then, two of the top five have left their posts: Gregg Popovich (second with $17 million at San Antonio Spurs) and Michael Malone (fifth with $12 million at Denver Nuggets).
This placed the Knicks coach in an elite group, tied with Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, and trailing only Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, and Tyronn Lue. The Golden State Warriors pay Kerr $17.5 million annually, making him the highest-paid coach in the league. Below him are the head coaches of the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, each earning $15 million.

Steve Kerr is the best-paid coach in the NBA.
Thibodeau’s high status was backed by his results in New York. He took over in the summer of 2020 after previous head coaching stints with the Chicago Bulls (2010–2015) and Minnesota Timberwolves (2016–2019), and brought stability and success to the Knicks.

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He led the team to the Eastern Conference Playoffs in four of his five seasons—an achievement considering the franchise’s instability following the retirement of Patrick Ewing. Over the past three years, Tom guided the Knicks to two semifinal appearances (lost to the Heat and the Pacers) and one Conference Finals—their first in 25 years.
With Thibodeau’s departure now confirmed, speculation turns to who will lead Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns next NBA season. According to ClutchPoints, current favorites include former Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer, recently dismissed Denver coach Michael Malone, Kenny Atkinson, current coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and former NCAA coach Jay Wright.
SurveyDid the Knicks make the right call by parting ways with Tom Thibodeau?
Did the Knicks make the right call by parting ways with Tom Thibodeau?
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