Taylor Jenkins has become the Memphis Grizzlies’ all-time winningest coach.
With the Grizzlies’ 117-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, Jenkins, in his sixth season as head coach, recorded his 215th victory, surpassing Lionel Hollins to claim the top spot in franchise history.
“It’s an unbelievable honor to be among the company of so many great coaches that have come before me,” Jenkins said after the game, following a celebration with his team in the locker room. “I always talk about the unbelievable responsibility to be the coach of this franchise. It’s a privilege and an honor.”
The Grizzlies’ coaching history includes names like Hubie Brown, Mike Fratello, Hollins, and current Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
Before becoming the Grizzlies’ head coach in June 2019, Jenkins worked in various roles with the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and Milwaukee Bucks. He led Memphis to the Western Conference postseason for three straight years, before injuries interrupted the streak last year.
Desmond Bane, the Grizzlies guard who scored 21 points in the victory, said the celebration was “special” for a coach he believes is the best he’s ever played for.
“Coach Jenkins is the best coach in Memphis Grizzlies history,” Bane said. “He deserves it. Humble guy. …It was good for him to actually embrace it just because he’s such a humble guy.”
For Jenkins, while he appreciated the moment and was grateful for the achievement, his focus quickly shifted to the next game against Chicago on Saturday.
“It’s not about me at the end of the day,” Jenkins said. “We’ve got a lot more work to do. But I wake up every day being happy. “It’s an absolute blessing to be in this position.”
