The Memphis Grizzlies have unexpectedly parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, despite the team sitting in fifth place in the Western Conference with a 44-29 record. This decision comes as a surprise, especially given Jenkins’ success in leading the team to three postseason appearances since he took over in 2019. Sources revealed that Jenkins was informed of his firing on Friday morning, ending his six-season tenure with the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman expressed appreciation for Jenkins’ contributions, stating, “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, 40, leaves Memphis with a 250-214 record, making him the franchise’s all-time winningest coach. His leadership helped the Grizzlies make the playoffs in 2021, 2022, and 2023, but injuries, including Ja Morant’s strained hamstring, have hampered the team this season. The Grizzlies have gone 8-11 since the All-Star break, leading to questions about the timing of the decision. Memphis’ playoff hopes remain intact, but they are in danger of losing home-court advantage.
The Grizzlies’ odds to win the NBA Championship have dropped significantly, from +3000 at the All-Star break to as low as +9500, as the unexpected firing raised eyebrows across the league. Memphis has struggled in recent games, including a rough West Coast road trip, but Jenkins’ firing is still considered a shocking move, given the team’s playoff potential.
Jenkins’ departure follows a significant overhaul of the coaching staff in the offseason, which included retaining only two assistants from the previous year. This firing marks the end of a coaching era for Memphis, but with the team’s playoff future uncertain, the Grizzlies will now look for a new leader to guide them through the postseason.
