sports

Memphis Grizzlies fire Head Coach Taylor Jenkins despite Playoff push

Despite a winning record, the Grizzlies make a shocking midseason move, firing head coach Taylor Jenkins as they battle for a playoff spot. What’s next?

Taylor Jenkins reacts courtside during a Grizzlies game, days before his unexpected midseason dismissal despite the team’s playoff contention. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez/ USA Today Sports
Taylor Jenkins reacts courtside during a Grizzlies game, days before his unexpected midseason dismissal despite the team’s playoff contention. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez/ USA Today Sports

​In a surprising midseason move, the Memphis Grizzlies have fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with nine games remaining in the regular season. Despite holding a 44-29 record and sitting fifth in the Western Conference, the team decided to part ways with Jenkins, who has been at the helm since 2019 in NBA. ​

Grizzlies part ways with winningest Coach Taylor Jenkins amid Playoff push

General Manager Zach Kleiman expressed appreciation for Jenkins' contributions over the past six seasons, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision. He highlighted the consistent development of players and overall success under Jenkins' leadership. ​

Jenkins, the winningest coach in franchise history, led the Grizzlies to the second-best record in the West during his third and fourth seasons. In 2021, Memphis won a playoff series for the first time in seven years under his guidance. ​

Grizzlies face uncertainty after firing Taylor Jenkins amid Playoff struggles

The team's recent performance may have influenced the decision, as the Grizzlies have struggled in their last twenty games, going 8-12 and losing key matches that impacted their playoff positioning. Star player Ja Morant's performance has also declined, adding to the team's challenges. ​

As the Grizzlies navigate the remainder of the season and their playoff push, the organization will need to address leadership and performance issues to maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference. Further updates on this developing story are anticipated.​