With Tom Thibodeau’s unexpected departure from the New York Knicks, speculation is swirling around Johnnie Bryant, but not just in New York.
The 39-year-old Cleveland Cavaliers associate head coach is currently one of two finalists for the Phoenix Suns head coaching job, raising the question:
Will Johnnie Bryant become the Suns’ head coach now that Thibodeau is out in New York?
Fans And Critics Were Surprised After Thibodeau Was Fired
Tom Thibodeau’s firing caught much of the NBA world off guard.
Despite leading the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, the organization decided to part ways with the veteran coach.
Johnnie Bryant should be the next Head Coach of the New York Knicks pic.twitter.com/3VtO0dJ22w
— Joel Moran (@joelvmoran) June 3, 2025
In a statement, Knicks President Leon Rose thanked Thibodeau for his five seasons of “class and professionalism,” but said the team is now focused on a championship path that requires “a new direction.”
Thibodeau compiled a 226–174 record over five seasons, with four playoff berths and 24 postseason wins.
Still, a tough six-game series loss to the Pacers appears to have sealed his fate.
New York Has The Chance To Land Johnnie Bryant As Head Coach
Johnnie Bryant, who was a former Knicks associate head coach under Thibodeau from 2020 to 2024, is now an in-demand coaching candidate.
After just one season in Cleveland under Kenny Atkinson, where he helped guide the Cavs to the top seed in the East, Bryant is a finalist for the Suns’ job alongside fellow Cavaliers assistant Jordan Ott.
The Suns are expected to make a decision soon, but Thibodeau’s firing may have shifted the coaching landscape.
While there is no official confirmation from the Knicks, fans and some league insiders speculate that Thibodeau’s firing may have been timed to give New York a chance at landing Bryant before Phoenix finalizes its decision.
Bryant remains a beloved figure in the Knicks locker room, with strong support from key players like Julius Randle and Immanuel Quickley.
Bryant also has an internal ally in Knicks executive William “World Wide Wes” Wesley, who has long advocated for him behind the scenes.
Despite the rumors, reports suggest the Knicks do not currently have a clear-cut replacement plan.
Marc Stein noted that Bryant and former Villanova coach Jay Wright are “presumed” candidates, while Jason Kidd and Ime Udoka are also of interest.
However, Udoka is under contract with Houston, and the Rockets are not expected to entertain any interview requests.
This leaves the door open for Bryant if the Suns don’t lock him down first.
As of now, the answer isn’t clear.
If the Suns move quickly, Bryant could be off the market before the Knicks finalize their coaching plans.
However, if New York makes an aggressive push, Bryant could find himself at the center of a bidding war between two teams looking to take the next step.
Johnnie Bryant Has What It Takes To Be A Head Coach
Johnnie Bryant’s coaching journey started at the Bryant Sports Academy, where he developed NBA talent like Damian Lillard and Paul Millsap.
BRING JOHNNIE BRYANT HOME pic.twitter.com/00vWsa6YMd
— AJ LaRocca (@aj_larocca) June 3, 2025
Hired by the Utah Jazz in 2012, he rose through the ranks to assistant coach and later joined the Knicks as associate head coach in 2020.
Now with the Cavs, Bryant has only further strengthened his résumé, building a reputation for player relationships, development skills, and basketball IQ.
