Memphis, Tennessee – The Memphis Grizzlies have made a surprising move by firing head coach Taylor Jenkins with only nine games left in the season. The decision comes as the 44-29 Grizzlies are in a tight race for the 4/5 seeds in the Western Conference alongside the Lakers. The team faces crucial matchups in the coming days, including a showdown against the Lakers on Saturday.
General manager Zach Kleiman expressed his gratitude for Jenkins’ contributions to the team and the city during his six-year tenure. Despite the success and player development under Jenkins, the decision to part ways was deemed necessary. Tuomas Iisalo, who previously served as an interim head coach for the Grizzlies this season, will take on the role for the remainder of the campaign. Assistant coaches Noah LaRoche and Patrick St. Andrews were also released from their positions.
The decision to fire Jenkins stemmed from growing frustrations in Memphis regarding the team’s performance and direction. Despite being on track for a 49-win season, the Grizzlies have struggled since the All-Star break, winning only 8 out of 19 games. Injuries to key players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. have impacted the team’s performance, but there were also concerns about lack of player buy-in and discontent with Jenkins’ coaching style.
The timing of Jenkins’ dismissal, just before the playoffs, raised eyebrows across the league and sparked speculation about underlying reasons for the move. The decision positions Jenkins as a top candidate for coaching vacancies this summer, with teams expected to make changes at the end of the season. Despite the unexpected turn of events, the Grizzlies are now focused on finishing the season strong under new leadership.
Looking ahead, the Grizzlies will need to regroup under Iisalo’s guidance and strive to secure a favorable playoff position. The changes within the coaching staff signal a new chapter for the team as they navigate the final stretch of the season and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead in the playoffs.