With nine games left in the regular season, the Memphis Grizzlies have parted way with head coach Taylor Jenkins, the team announced Friday.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Grizzlies assistant Tuomas Iisalo will be named the interim head coach.
Jenkins was called into the Grizzlies office this morning and was fired in person, according to Charania.
In addition, the Grizzlies parted ways with assistant coaches Noah LaRoche and Patrick St. Andrews, according to the report.
Memphis(44-29) is currently the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
In six seasons with the Grizzlies, the 40-year-old Jenkins had a record of 250-214. The 250 wins are the most in franchise history.
“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” said Grizzlies President and GM of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman in a press release announcing the move. “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.”
The Grizzlies, who are 8-11 since the All-Star break, have lost four out of their last five games, but the timing of the move seems very odd. There may be more to the story. However, the Grizzlies are moving forward without Jenkins leading the way.
