In what has become a case study of digital-age misinformation, a wild rumor claiming New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau shocked fans by appointing MLB pitcher Brady Singer as the team’s new coach has gone viral—despite being entirely fabricated.
The Origin of the Rumor
Over the past week, social media platforms were flooded with speculative posts and doctored images suggesting that Thibodeau—a basketball lifer—was stepping aside to let Singer, currently a starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, take over at center court. Some clickbait outlets ran with tabloid-style headlines, leaving casual fans momentarily flummoxed.
The Reality
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Tom Thibodeau is no longer the coach.
Thibodeau was fired on June 3, 2025, mere days after leading the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals in 25 years, with a record of 226–174 over five seasons . Team president Leon Rose and owner James Dolan announced the split, emphasizing it was a strategic move to chase a championship -
Brady Singer is a Major League Baseball pitcher.
Singer, 28, began his pro career with the Kansas City Royals and was traded to the Cincinnati Reds after the 2024 season. As of late June 2025, he boasts a 7–5 record with a 4.13 ERA . He is firmly entrenched in baseball—not basketball. -
No crossover ever occurred.
In-depth searches across reputable NBA and MLB news outlets turn up zero credible links between Singer and the Knicks . Neither the Knicks nor Thibodeau have commented on any such hire. The rumor appears rooted in internet satire or trolling, not sports reporting.
What’s Actually Happening with the Knicks
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Coaching Search in Full Swing
Since Thibodeau’s departure, the Knicks have conducted interviews with serious basketball coaches only—namely Taylor Jenkins, Mike Brown, and Minnesota assistant Micah Nori . The organization is allegedly prioritizing a coach with strengths in player development, flexible rotations, and collaboration—traits they viewed as missing in Thibodeau’s tenure -
No MLB players under consideration
Not even fringe crossover talk has emerged in any reports. Instead, names like Jason Kidd, Ime Udoka, and Michael Malone are circulating—while interest in current NBA coaches is hampered by other teams protecting their staff Rethinking strategy
The Knicks appear focused on evolving—from Thibodeau’s intense, defense-heavy, starters-centric system to a model that leans on bench depth and younger roster growth .
Why the Brady Singer Hoax Took Off
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Name confusion: “Singer” and “Thibodeau” in the same headline attracted clicks and trended fast on forums.
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Social media amplification: Meme accounts and satirical blogs thrive on mixing up worlds—what better bait than a pitcher joining an NBA coaching staff?
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Fans’ emotional investment: Knicks supporters, still reeling from Thibodeau’s exit, were eager for sensational developments—real or imagined.
Verdict: No, Thibodeau has not made Brady Singer the Knicks’ new coach. This viral story is pure fiction, playing on name confusion and fan sentiment. The real coaching search remains underway, with actual basketball figures still under consideration.
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