MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Grizzlies made a surprising move on Friday by firing head coach Taylor Jenkins with just nine games left in the regular season. The decision came as the team struggled with consistency, holding a 44-29 record but facing a tough stretch where they lost nine straight games to teams with winning records.
Jenkins, 40, was hired in 2019 and became the most successful coach in the franchise’s history. However, after a subpar playoff performance last season and an inability to adapt to new offensive schemes this year, his tenure has been questioned. Sources close to the team indicated that Jenkins’ difficulties with the organization and underwhelming results contributed to the abrupt decision.
“Urgency is a core principle of ours,” said Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman during a brief press conference addressing the firing. “This decision was mine and mine only. I believed it was in the best interest of the team.”
The Grizzlies had previously been viewed as a rising star in the Western Conference, with an elite squad led by dynamic players like Ja Morant. Unfortunately, Morant missed significant time this season due to injuries and struggled with the new offensive system, which contributed to the team’s recent rut.
In Jenkins’ place, the Grizzlies announced former assistant Tuomas Iisalo as the interim head coach. Iisalo joined the team this season and has been credited with helping implement a new offensive strategy focused on movement and spacing, as opposed to the pick-and-roll setups that Morant thrived in previously.
Despite a strong start to the season at 35-16, the Grizzlies faced internal turmoil as tensions flared during games. Reports emerged of a heated exchange between guards Desmond Bane and Santi Aldama during a game against the Utah Jazz, highlighting frustrations related to effort and team dynamics.
The organization also parted ways with assistant coach Noah LaRoche and Patrick St. Andrews shortly after Jenkins’ dismissal, indicating a broader desire for change within the coaching structure. The Grizzlies aim to regain their footing as the playoffs approach, but much uncertainty looms regarding ja Morant’s future with the team.
“We are not trading Ja. Continue to underestimate Ja, this team, and this city, and we will let our performance on the floor speak for itself,” Kleiman insisted, despite speculation surrounding Morant’s relationship with the coaching staff and offensive schemes.
As the Grizzlies head into their next game against the Los Angeles Lakers, who share the same record, all eyes will be on how Iisalo and the newly structured coaching staff respond to the recent challenges. Memphis hopes that the coaching shakeup will reignite their playoff aspirations and return them to their winning ways.
