The Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins despite being the fifth-ranked seed at the Western Conference on Friday. The Grizzlies' shocking decision to say goodbye to Jenkins comes with just nine regular season games before the NBA playoffs begin.
“We are truly grateful for Taylor's contribution to this team and the city over the past six seasons,” Grizzlies president and general manager Zach Kleiman said in a statement posted on social media.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
New Orleans Pelicans head coach Taylor Jenkins will face the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half on March 9, 2025 at the Smoothie King Center. (Image from Stephen Lew-Immagn)
“This was a difficult decision given the consistent and concrete development of the players and overall success under Taylor's leadership. I hope Taylor is the best in the future.”
The Grizzlies are 44-29 and have the same record as the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Lakers hold a head-to-head tiebreaker. With tiebreakers, the Lakers are fourth in the Grizzlies ranking.
The decision to fire Jenkins comes shortly after a 125-104 defeat to the top-seeded team at the Western Conference Oklahoma City Thunder.
NBA champion LeBron James scolds complaints about league coverage: “These players are very sensitive.”
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins watches the team play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Paycom Center on March 27, 2025. (Alonzo Adams-Immagn image)
The Grizzlies are 5-5 in the last 10 games and will continue jockeys for playoff positioning with the Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves. The Clippers and Warriors are 41-31, while the Timberwolves are 41-32.
Jenkins, 40, was hired in 2019 and was 250-214 during his tenure with the Grizzlies. Jenkins' 250 wins is the most coaching victory in franchise history.
The team struggled last season, making it 27-55 as star point guard Ja Morant only played in nine games due to injury and suspension.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins watches the team play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second half at Paycom Center on March 27, 2025. (Alonzo Adams-Immagn image)
With Morant back on, the Grizzlies will improve this season and make the playoffs except for the disastrous final nine games.
At the time of this writing, the interim head coach had not yet been named.
Grizzlies' next game will face Lakers at Home at Home on Saturday at 8pm ET, earning the floor for a key game with another coach.
Follow Fox News Digital's Sports Coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
