The Memphis Grizzlies are currently 44-29 and are fighting with the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers for a top-four seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
The Western Conference teams are at odds to secure a playoff spot, with the Lakers and Grizzlies competing to land the best possible advantage. However, their road to victory is long and yet to be determined.
Memphis Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman Fires Head Coach Taylor Jenkins
But just days before those playoffs begin, Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman made the decision to part ways with their longest-tenured head coach:
“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman said in a statement. “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.”
Taylor Jenkins was on the verge of finishing his sixth season at the helm, and the team was on its way to its fourth playoff appearance during that time. Jenkins amassed 250 wins during his tenure, the most in franchise history.
The @memgrizz today announced they have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins. pic.twitter.com/92PAK2NssN
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) March 28, 2025
Jenkins has an excellent track record developing the late-draft gems Memphis has been producing. Players like Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama and Vince Williams Jr have all been late draft picks that have turned into critical role players in their time under Jenkins.
The now-former head coach of the Grizzlies cut his teeth in the NBA as Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. were also entering the league. While the trio has grown together, the organization feels it is time for a new voice to lead their promising young core into NBA title contention.
Who Can Replace Jenkins As the 2025 NBA Season Nears Its End?
There are a few candidates to finish the season out on the current staff.
Jason March is the former head coach of their G-League Affiliate. Tuomas Iisalo is new to the staff this season but is the architect behind their new-look, high-scoring offense. Pat St. Andrews comes from the same coaching tree as Jenkins and has been with the team for two seasons.
There is a possibility that the Grizzlies look outside the organization and perhaps already had a person in mind when making this decision. Terry Stotts, Frank Vogel, Sam Cassell and Brad Stevens are possible names the Grizzlies could pursue. While Cassell has yet to be a head coach, they all bring a level of experience the young Grizzlies core can benefit from.
Following a 125-104 loss to the Lakers, the Grizzlies are set to face the Lakers next.