Report: Thomas out as Knicks coach

Posted: Thu Apr 17 11:45 AM

New York, NY (Sports Network) - New York Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas has apparently already been told he will not return next season, ending a disastrous two-year tenure on the bench.

The Knicks closed out a 23-59 season on Wednesday with a 132-123 loss to the Indiana Pacers, giving Thomas a record of 56-108 in his two years after replacing Larry Brown. This year's mark equaled Brown's 2005-06 record.

New Knicks president Donnie Walsh has not yet made an official announcement on Thomas' fate, although the New York Daily News reported that Walsh informed Thomas of his decision last week.

Thomas, who joined the Knicks' front office for the 2003-04 season, could still remain with the club in some capacity.

The Knicks made the playoffs just once with Thomas running the basketball operations, losing to New Jersey in a first-round sweep in 2004.

Following the tumultuous 2005-06 season with Brown, Thomas took over the head coaching duties in 2006-07 and had the Knicks within striking distance of a playoff spot at 29-34 when he was rewarded with a contract extension. The Knicks went on to win just four of their final 19 games.

Thomas' tenure with the Knicks was also marred by the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former team executive Anucha Browne Sanders.

A Hall of Fame player with the Detroit Pistons, Thomas also spent three years as coach of the Pacers and has a five-year record of 187-223.