I never had a problem with firing Thibs, and do not think the firing was Dolan’s decision.
I look at Brown as the same level coach as Thibs. The difference is Brown stresses more offense while Thibs is a defense first coach. And this roster may respond better with Brown’s philosophy.
Also, Brown is under immense pressure. Not only is he replacing a successful coach, but both Boston and Indiana will be without their best player for all next season. While Orlando and Detroit are improving, there is still quite a path for the Knicks to make the finals in the East.
As why I do not think firing Thibs was Dolan’s call is because if Dolan likes them personally, he usually gives his front office a lot of rope.
Just look at the Knicks and Rangers. Dolan has kept Sather, Thomas, and Drury, among others even though their results were mediocre and Thomas even had a sexual harassment complaint against him.
I think Rose is the next guy that Dolan likes a lot personally. The only difference is that Rose has been very good, and the Knicks have never had a stretch like this since Checketts/Riley.
While Thibs certainly had a lot to do with that, Rose decided to go all in with a new approach.