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[Saba Sports News] In a stunning twist just weeks before the playoffs, the Memphis Grizzlies have fired head coach Taylor Jenkins, the team announced Friday.
“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” said team president 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 him all the best moving forward.”
Jenkins’ firing comes despite the Grizzlies sitting at 44-29, tied with the Lakers for the fourth-best record in the Western Conference. With just nine regular-season games left, Memphis is all but guaranteed a playoff spot—making the timing of the decision even more surprising.
Jenkins was in his sixth year as head coach. After a rough 27-55 campaign last season—largely due to Ja Morant’s limited availability—the team rebounded this year and seemed poised for a deep postseason run. Still, offseason staff shakeups had already sparked speculation about Jenkins’ future.
One of Jenkins’ final viral moments came last week when Warriors forward Draymond Green accused him of flopping during a sideline altercation—a footnote to a tenure marked by both player development and playoff battles.
Even with rumors swirling, few expected Memphis to make a move this bold so close to the postseason.