The NBA playoffs are virtually 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.
Though the group is playoff-bound, sitting fifth within the Western Convention, they’re nonetheless within the thick of the race. With this sudden information, discover out extra about Jenkins, his tenure with the group, the explanations behind his firing, and who may change him under.
Who Is Taylor Jenkins?
Jenkins has served as head coach of the Grizzlies because the 2019-2020 season, compiling a 250-214 (.539) report. He holds the title of the winningest coach in franchise historical past, main Memphis to the postseason 3 times. Jenkins can be the longest-tenured head coach within the league with no 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 underneath Coach Mike Budenholzer.
Why Did the Memphis Grizzlies Hearth Taylor Jenkins?
The group didn’t formally state the rationale behind their choice to half methods with Jenkins.
In a press release, Grizzlies’ President and Common Supervisor of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman stated, “I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this group and this metropolis over the previous six seasons. This was a troublesome choice, given the constant and tangible growth of our gamers and total success underneath Taylor’s management.”
He added, “I want Taylor the easiest going ahead.”
Below Jenkins’ management, the Grizzlies missed the playoffs solely twice in his 5 accomplished seasons. Nonetheless, final yr’s absence is considerably excused on account of star participant Ja Morant‘s season-ending damage, together with different vital accidents to key gamers of their rotation.
Who Is Changing Coach Taylor Jenkins?
It’s at the moment unclear who will completely change Coach Jenkins, however within the meantime, Assistant Coach Toumas Iisalo, who was among the many employees 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.
