The NBA playoffs are nearly right here, and with simply 9 video games left within the common season, the Memphis Grizzlies introduced they’re parting methods with head coach Taylor Jenkins.
Although the staff is playoff-bound, sitting fifth within the Western Conference, they’re nonetheless within the thick of the race. With this sudden information, discover out extra about Jenkins, his tenure with the staff, the explanations behind his firing, and who may substitute him beneath.
Who Is Taylor Jenkins?
Jenkins has served as head coach of the Grizzlies because the 2019-2020 season, compiling a 250-214 (.539) document. He holds the title of the winningest coach in franchise historical past, main Memphis to the postseason thrice. Jenkins can also be the longest-tenured head coach within the league and not using a championship, with solely Gregg Popovich, Steve Kerr, Erik Spoelstra, and Michael Malone being the opposite energetic coaches who’ve been with their groups longer.
Jenkins had beforehand served as an assistant with the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks, each beneath Coach Mike Budenholzer.
Why Did the Memphis Grizzlies Fire Taylor Jenkins?
The staff didn’t formally state the explanation behind their resolution to half methods with Jenkins.
In a press release, Grizzlies’ President and General Manager of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman mentioned, “I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this staff and this metropolis over the previous six seasons. This was a tough resolution, given the constant and tangible growth of our gamers and general success beneath Taylor’s management.”
He added, “I want Taylor the easiest going ahead.”
Under Jenkins’ management, the Grizzlies missed the playoffs solely twice in his 5 accomplished seasons. However, final yr’s absence is considerably excused because of star participant Ja Morant‘s season-ending damage, together with different vital accidents to key gamers of their rotation.
Who Is Replacing Coach Taylor Jenkins?
It is at present unclear who will completely substitute Coach Jenkins, however within the meantime, Assistant Coach Toumas Iisalo, who was among the many workers hires this previous July, will function interim head coach, per ESPN.
Jenkins took over for JB Bickerstaff, who was fired after failing to make the playoffs within the 2018-19 season.