Growing up in Connecticut, newly appointed New York Knicks head coach Tim Thibodeau has always been a big fan of the New England Patriots and their legendary coach Bill Belichick. Turns out, that feeling is mutual, as “Mr. Hoodie” himself is also quite fond of Thibs' no-nonsense approach to coaching.
The pair of talented mentors have actually connected over the last 10 years and learned firsthand just how similar their beliefs and ideologies are. Thibodeau has even lived by the mantra “Know your job, do your job”–something that he picked up from Belichick’s relationship with his players and staff.
The six-time Superbowl champion has followed Thibs' career during his tenure as deputy for Doc Rivers with the Boston Celtics from 2007 to 2010. That relationship continued even when Thibodeau got his big break as head coach of the Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, and now, the Knicks.
“Tom is easy to get along with,’’ Bill Belichick described Tom Thibodeau in a report from The New York Post. “He is very smart and focused on doing a great job for his team. Tom is engaging and humble about his success.”
While obviously in charge of two completely different sports, it's not hard to see glaring similarities between the pair of respected tacticians.
“We both have a strong background in defense,’’ Belichick said about what Thibs has learned from him. “But other than that, you would have to ask him for specifics. I love the way Tom coaches. He is poised and does a great job with adjustments and quick decisions.”
Coach Tom Thibodeau, of course, transformed the Celtics into the defensive juggernaut that it was in their 2008 championship run. The same goes for Bill Belichick, who brilliantly orchestrated the Patriots' impenetrable defense en route to six Superbowl wins as he becomes one of the best coaches in the NFL.
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