Time of Success: Has Tom Thibodeau Won an NBA Championship?

Tom Thibodeau, who was most recently the head coach of the New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association (NBA), did win an NBA championship as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics in 2008.

Thibodeau is known for his defensive acumen, intense work ethic, and commitment to player development and is one of the most respected coaches in the NBA.

However, Tom Thibodeau could not win an NBA championship as a head coach despite his long and successful tenure in the league.

He has built a reputation as a tireless strategist and one of the league’s top basketball minds over a coaching career spanning more than three decades.

Time of Head Coaching Career

His head coaching career started in earnest in 2010 after the Chicago Bulls hired him.

Tom has led the Bulls to a league-best 62–20 record during his first season and was named NBA Coach of the same year.

The Bulls were unable to get past the Miami Heat in the playoffs despite the regular-season success and a roster that included league MVP Derrick Rose.

He later became a coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading them to their first playoff appearance in 14 years in 2018.

He currently serves as head coach of the New York Knicks. In 2021, he was again named NBA Coach of the Year after helping turn the Knicks into a playoff team.

The latest news is that Knicks fired Thibodeau following a loss in Eastern Conference finals and are looking for a new head coach for the team.

Time of Assistant Coaching Success

Although Thibodeau has been unable to achieve a title of an NBA championship as a head coach, he did win it as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics in 2008.

Thibodeau was the team’s defensive coordinator. He played a crucial role in helping the Celtics become one of the top defensive units in the league, serving under head coach Doc Rivers.