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 workforce 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 workforce, the explanations behind his firing, and who would possibly 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) 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 with out 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 Fireplace Taylor Jenkins?
The workforce didn’t formally state the rationale behind their choice to half methods with Jenkins.
In an announcement, Grizzlies’ President and Basic Supervisor of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman stated, “I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this workforce 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 beneath Taylor’s management.”
He added, “I want Taylor the perfect going ahead.”
Underneath Jenkins’ management, the Grizzlies missed the playoffs solely twice in his 5 accomplished seasons. Nevertheless, final yr’s absence is considerably excused because of star participant Ja Morant‘s season-ending harm, together with different vital accidents to key gamers of their rotation.
Who Is Changing Coach Taylor Jenkins?
It’s at present 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.
