Tom Thibodeau's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Tom Thibodeau.

Tom Thibodeau, nicknamed "Thibs", is an American professional basketball coach currently leading the New York Knicks in the NBA. He previously served as an assistant coach for the United States men's national basketball team from 2013 to 2016, where he contributed to Team USA's gold medal victory at the 2016 Olympic Games.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Inducted into New Britain Sports Hall of Fame

In 1998, Tom Thibodeau was inducted into the New Britain Sports Hall of Fame.

2000: Eastern Conference All-Stars Coach

In 2000, Tom Thibodeau helped Van Gundy coach the Eastern Conference All-Stars in the 2000 All-Star Game.

2008: First NBA Championship

In 2008, Tom Thibodeau was a key factor in containing Kobe Bryant during the 2008 Finals, which the Celtics won, earning Thibodeau his first NBA Championship.

2008: NBA Finals Win with the Boston Celtics

In 2008, Tom Thibodeau won the NBA Finals as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, serving as a defensive coach.

May 1, 2011: Named NBA Coach of the Year

On May 1, 2011, Tom Thibodeau was named the NBA Coach of the Year after tying the record for most wins by a rookie head coach with 62.

2011: NBA Coach of the Year

In 2011, Tom Thibodeau was named the NBA Coach of the Year after leading the Chicago Bulls to a 62-win season.

February 14, 2012: Eastern Conference All-Star Coach

On February 14, 2012, Tom Thibodeau clinched the position of Eastern Conference All-Star Coach for the All-Star Game in Orlando.

March 19, 2012: Fastest Coach to 100 Career Victories

On March 19, 2012, Tom Thibodeau became the fastest coach in NBA history to earn 100 career victories, achieving this in 130 games.

2012: Second in NBA Coach of the Year Voting

In 2012, Tom Thibodeau finished second to Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs in NBA Coach of the Year voting.

January 2013: Praised Defensive System

In January 2013, ESPN praised Tom Thibodeau's defensive system as "the pinnacle of team defensive strategy in the NBA."

2014: Finished Third in NBA Coach of the Year Voting

In 2014, Tom Thibodeau finished third in NBA Coach of the Year voting, leading the second year straight Derrick Rose-less Bulls to the fourth-best record in the Eastern Conference.

2014: FIBA World Cup Gold Medal

In 2014, as a member of the USA Basketball Men's National Team coach staff, Tom Thibodeau assisted the US to a gold medal at the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

2016: Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA

In 2016, Tom Thibodeau helped Team USA win a gold medal at the Olympic Games as an assistant coach.

2016: 2016 Olympic championship

In 2016, Tom Thibodeau helped lead the U.S. to the 2016 Olympic championship as the Americans rolled to an 8–0 record and the gold medal in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

2017: Ranked 13th best coach

In 2017, ESPN ranked Tom Thibodeau the 13th best coach, despite the Timberwolves finishing outside of playoff contention.

2021: Second NBA Coach of the Year Award

In 2021, Tom Thibodeau won the NBA Coach of the Year award for the second time after leading the Knicks to their first playoff berth in eight seasons.