The Memphis Grizzlies have announced their decision to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, who has led the team since 2019.
Currently, Memphis holds the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference with a 44-29 record, tied with the LA Lakers. The timing of the move is surprising, given there are only nine games left in the regular season and the team remains in the playoff picture. However, the Grizzlies have struggled recently, losing four of their last five games.
Grizzlies President’s Statement
Grizzlies president Zach Kleiman addressed the decision in an official statement:
“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons. This was a difficult decision, given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward.”
Jenkins’ Tenure with Memphis
Jenkins took over as head coach in June 2019, leading the Grizzlies to multiple playoff appearances and securing the franchise’s first division title in 2022. In November 2024, he became Memphis’ all-time winningest coach, surpassing Lionel Hollins. Under his leadership, the team compiled a 250-214 record.
His best season came in 2021-22, when the Grizzlies won 56 out of 82 games, solidifying their position as a Western Conference powerhouse.
Future Prospects and Coaching Transition
Jenkins is now considered one of the top head coaching candidates for the upcoming hiring cycle, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
The 40-year-old began his coaching career with the San Antonio Spurs’ D-League affiliate, the Austin Toros, guiding them to a championship in 2012. He later served as an assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks (2013-18) and the Milwaukee Bucks (2018-19) before taking the Grizzlies’ head coaching role.
Finnish coach Tuomas Iisalo is expected to take over as Memphis’ interim head coach.
This marks the second in-season coaching change of the 2024-25 NBA season, following Sacramento’s decision to replace Mike Brown with Doug Christie.
