The Memphis Grizzlies fired the chief coach Taylor Jenkins despite being the number 5 at the West Conference on Friday. The shocking decision of the Grizzlies to separate from Jenkins comes with only nine regular seasonal games before the NBA playoffs begin.
“I am really appreciated for Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city in the last six seasons,” said the president of the Grizzlies and general manager of basketball operations, Zach Kleiman, in a statement published on social networks.
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New Orleans Pelicans chief coach Taylor Jenkins, looks against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half in Smoothie King Center on March 9, 2025. (Images of Stephen Lew-Imagn)
“This was a difficult decision, given the consistent and tangible development of our players and the general success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the best in the future.”
The Grizzlies are 44-29 and, although they have the same record as the Los Angeles Lakers, the Lakers hold the face to face. With the tiebreaker, the Lakers are fourth in the classification on the Grizzlies.
The decision to say goodbye to Jenkins arrives immediately after a defeat for 125-104 against the best sown team at the West Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Memphis Grizzlies chief coach Taylor Jenkins observes his team playing against Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the PayCom center on March 27, 2025. (Alonzo Adams-Imagn images)
The Grizzlies have 5-5 in their last ten games, since they will continue playing for the positioning of playoffs with the Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, the Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves. The clippers and the warriors have 41-31, while the Timberwolves are 41-32.
Jenkins, 40, was hired in 2019 and was 250-214 in his mandate of the Grizzlies. Jenkins’ 250 victories are the most coaching victories in the history of the franchise.
Last season, the team had problems, going 27-55 when the star owner Ja Morant only played in nine games due to injuries and suspension.
Memphis Grizzlies chief coach Taylor Jenkins observes his team playing against Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at the PayCom center on March 27, 2025. (Alonzo Adams-Imagn images)
With Morant in the Redile, the Grizzlies improved this season and, except for a disastrous final of nine games, they will arrive at the playoffs.
Until this writing, an interim coach had not yet been appointed.
The next Grizzlies game is against the Lakers at home, on Saturday at 8:00 pm et, where they will take the floor for a fundamental game with a different coach.
