The New York Knicks made the questionable move to fire coach Tom Thibodeau after the team lost the Eastern Conference Finals to the Indiana Pacers. After a largely successful run for Thibodeau, who were the Knicks going to get that would be better right away? There have been multiple reports that the Knicks have requested to interview current head coaches such as Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, Rockers head coach Ime Udoka, and Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch. You can now throw Hawks head coach Quin Snyder’s name into that group as well, with ESPN’s Shams Charania reporting that the Knicks requested to interview Snyder, but were firmly denied.
Another one: The New York Knicks have requested permission to speak with Atlanta Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, but were firmly denied, sources tell ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 11, 2025
It is notable that the Hawks not only denied it, but firmly denied it. Would Snyder have interest in coaching the Knicks? That does not matter if he is still under contract with the Hawks however. Snyder would have to receive permission to speak with the Knicks and that was denied. The Knicks coaching search is going to carry on.
Snyder has spent three seasons in Atlanta (arrived in February 2023 so only two full seasons) and has an 86-99 record. Atlanta is regarded as having one of the best young cores in the Eastern Conference with Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, Onyeka Okongwu, and Jalen Johnson, and in a weakened Eastern Conference, this team is set for a real playoff push if they stay healthy next season. They have financial flexibility and two first-round picks as well, making their offseason even more interesting. While the record might not completely reflect it, Snyder has done a pretty solid job with the Hawks and has a real relationship with Young, which has been critical for the franchise. Next year though, there might be some pressure on Snyder to deliver on some results, as the Hawks have missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons, losing in the NBA play-in tournament.
