The Memphis Grizzlies have fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, their winningest coach, as the team struggled down the stretch. Despite still holding the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference standings, the organization decided to part ways with Jenkins.
Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Iisalo, who joined the NBA this season as Jenkins’ lead assistant, brings European coaching experience, including a successful stint with Paris Basketball, where he won the EuroCup and was named Coach of the Year in 2024.
Grizzlies Face Tough Schedule and Struggles Against Stronger Opponents After Jenkins Firing
Jenkins was dismissed ahead of a crucial stretch of games, with three home matchups against the Lakers, Celtics, and Warriors. Eight of Memphis’ final nine opponents are either playoff-bound or contending for a play-in spot, making the upcoming games even more significant.
Mathematically, the Grizzlies still have a chance to rise as high as the No. 2 seed in the West, though they are unlikely to fall into the play-in tournament range. Despite this, the organization felt a coaching change was necessary. Grizzlies president and general manager Zach Kleiman acknowledged Jenkins’ contributions but stated the decision was made in the best interest of the team’s future.
Tuomas Iisalo (NFL)Jenkins was one of the league’s longest-tenured coaches, ranking behind only Gregg Popovich, Erik Spoelstra, Steve Kerr, and Michael Malone. However, the Grizzlies struggled against top-tier teams this season. They were winless in four matchups against the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing by wide margins.
Additionally, they posted a 3-6 record against Houston, Denver, and the Lakers, teams directly ahead of them in the standings. While Memphis dominated weaker teams with a 33-9 record, they struggled against opponents over .500, holding an 11-20 record in such games. These inconsistencies contributed to the decision to move on from Jenkins.
Jenkins Tenure Featured Playoff Success Record Wins and an Injury-Plagued Season
During his six seasons, Jenkins achieved a franchise-record 250 wins and led the Grizzlies to the playoffs three times, reaching the second round once. The 2021-22 season was his most successful, with Memphis securing 56 wins, a Southwest Division title, and the No. 2 seed in the West.
They defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round before falling to the Golden State Warriors in the second round, with star Ja Morant sidelined due to injury. Jenkins initially took over from J.B. Bickerstaff in 2019 and played a key role in the development of Morant and other young players.
This season was particularly challenging for Jenkins, as key players missed significant time due to injuries. Morant played only nine games due to a league suspension and a shoulder injury, while Desmond Bane and Brandon Clarke also suffered long-term injuries.
As a result, Jenkins had to manage a rotating lineup led by Jaren Jackson Jr. Despite attempting to revamp the team’s offense and initially holding the No. 2 seed in the West, the Grizzlies eventually dropped to fifth place. With Morant limited to just 43 games due to multiple injuries, Memphis struggled to maintain momentum, ultimately leading to Jenkins’ dismissal.
