Grizzlies Fire Taylor Jenkins, Franchise’s Winningest Coach

The Memphis Grizzlies announced Friday that they have fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, despite the team holding the fifth seed in the Western Conference.

The Grizzlies informed Jenkins of his firing during a meeting at the team’s office Friday morning.

“I’m genuinely appreciate of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said in a press release. “This was a difficult decision, given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward.”

Jenkins had been at the helm for the Grizzlies since the 2019-20 season – the year Ja Morant earned Rookie of the Year honors. During his tenure, the team reached the playoffs three times and won one series.

The Grizzlies have hit a rough patch recently, losing four of its past five games as Morant remains sidelined with a strained hamstring.

This season, Jenkins became the winningest coach in Grizzlies’ franchise history. He finishes his tenure with a 250-214 record (.539).