The New York Knicks new coach for 2025, Mike Brown, has officially taken over from Tom Thibodeau in a move that’s sparking major debate among fans. Many wonder is Mike Brown better than Thibodeau? While Thibodeau helped bring the Knicks back to playoff relevance, his rotations and old-school style wore thin.

Brown arrives with a modern approach, balanced rotations, and a history of playoff success. In this article, we’ll break down the Knicks’ coaching change, look at key differences between the two coaches, and see what this means for the Knicks’ 2025 playoff hopes.

Knicks New Coach 2025 Mike Brown Better Than Thibodeau?

Both Brown and Thibodeau have proven themselves with winning records over long careers.

• Mike Brown, 55, has had just one losing season across nine full campaigns. His biggest highlight includes leading the Cavaliers to the 2007 NBA Finals and a 2009 Eastern Conference Finals run.
• Tom Thibodeau, 67, has two losing seasons in 12 full years. He reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2011 and again in 2025 with the Knicks but struggled to find consistency in the playoffs overall.

Rotation Philosophy: Depth vs Dependence

A major criticism of Thibodeau has always been his overreliance on starters. In the 2024-25 season, every Knicks starter averaged over 35 minutes per game. Josh Hart led the league in minutes, while Anunoby and Bridges also logged top-10 workloads.

In the playoffs, Thibodeau’s seven-man rotation led to exhaustion, and despite his late reliance on bench players, the inconsistency in depth hurt the Knicks.

Mike Brown, on the other hand, has been more flexible. In Sacramento’s standout 2022-23 season, no player averaged more than 34.6 minutes per game, and his playoff rotation included eight reliable contributors. His approach values rest, balance, and trust in the full roster.

With the addition of Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, alongside existing depth like Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson, Brown will have more tools at his disposal to build a well-rounded nine-man rotation.

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Mike Brown vs Tom Thibodeau: Coaching Style Compared

Mike Brown brings a unique blend of experience. He was the architect behind the Kings’ high-octane offense in 2022-23 and also served as the defensive coordinator during Golden State’s championship run. Under Thibodeau, New York’s offense often stalled. Brown’s system prioritizes sharing the ball, pushing the tempo, and holding everyone accountable even stars.

He’s coached superstars like LeBron James and operated under the pressure of markets like Los Angeles, making him familiar with big expectations. While nothing quite compares to coaching in Madison Square Garden, Brown is more prepared than most for the challenge.

Mike Brown’s Coaching Timeline: Year-by-Year Snapshot

*Record at time of dismissal.

His teams have consistently ranked in the top 10 in offensive or defensive efficiency during his peak years. While his recent Kings stint ended in December 2024, many believe the roster’s limitations, not Brown’s coaching, were the root issue.

Knicks Coaching Change Explained: Why 2025 Is a Turning Point

Tom Thibodeau helped bring the Knicks back into playoff relevance, but questions around depth management and offensive predictability lingered. Mike Brown represents a fresh tactical approach with a proven ability to maximize rosters without burning them out.

With Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and a deeper bench, Brown’s system may be exactly what the Knicks need to break into true contender status in the East.

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