The Memphis Grizzlies have decided to move on from Taylor Jenkins, their head coach since the 2019-20 season. This decision comes as the team experiences significant challenges in their performance, leaving them vulnerable in the playoff race.

Coaching Change Announcement

Sources confirmed to ESPN’s Shams Charania that Jenkins was informed of his dismissal during a meeting at the Grizzlies’ office on Friday morning. Team management indicated concerns that Jenkins might have lost the support of the locker room, prompting a change to potentially salvage the season’s remaining games.

“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” said Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman. “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.”

Interim Coaching Appointment

Following Jenkins’ departure, lead assistant Tuomas Iisalo has been appointed as the interim head coach. Iisalo, a former Finnish player and coach, previously led Paris Basketball to a EuroCup victory and was recognized as coach of the year in 2023-24.

Shifts in Coaching Staff

This move marks significant changes for the Grizzlies, who revamped their coaching staff in the previous offseason. With only Jenkins, Patrick St. Andrews, and Anthony Carter retained, the team introduced six new assistants. Under Iisalo and Noah LaRoche, the Grizzlies have adjusted their playing style to prioritize fast-paced offense and improved spacing, drawing inspiration from other sports.

Unfortunately, this shift in coaching strategies did not yield consistent success, especially as the team has shifted in rankings defensively since the All-Star break, falling from seventh to twentieth in defensive efficiency.

Season Performance and Playoff Implications

The Grizzlies are struggling, having lost four of their last five games and playing without star guard Ja Morant due to a hamstring injury. Since the All-Star break, the team’s record stands at 8-11, ranking them 21st in the league during that period.

Despite these challenges, the Grizzlies still have an opportunity to secure a better playoff position, with a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on the horizon. Both teams currently hold identical 44-29 records, intensifying the rivalry as they compete for playoff positioning in the closing weeks of the season.

Earlier this season, Jenkins surpassed Lionel Hollins’ record to become the franchise’s winningest head coach, finishing with a 250-214 record over his tenure.

Looking Ahead

The Grizzlies’ coaching change signals a determined effort to reignite the team’s performance and develop an offensive identity ahead of the playoffs. However, with a tough schedule ahead — facing predominantly playoff-bound teams — the coming weeks will be crucial for Iisalo and the Grizzlies as they strive to reclaim momentum in a tight Western Conference race.