rizzlies Make Major Head Coach Move After Taylor Jenkins Firing
In a stunning midseason shake-up, the Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, despite the team holding a strong 44-29 record and sitting fifth in the Western Conference. The decision, announced on March 28, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the NBA community, raising questions about the timing and rationale behind the move.
Taylor Jenkins’ Tenure Ends Abruptly
Jenkins, who took over as head coach in 2019, leaves as the winningest coach in franchise history with a 250-214 record. Under his leadership, the Grizzlies made three consecutive playoff appearances and developed a young core featuring Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane.
Despite the team’s success, General Manager Zach Kleiman cited the need for urgency and a new direction as reasons for the dismissal. “This was a difficult decision, given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership,” Kleiman said in a statement.
Players and Coaches React
The firing reportedly caught players off guard, with many learning about the decision through social media. Star point guard Ja Morant was particularly stunned, expressing his surprise upon hearing the news.
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone also expressed disbelief, stating, “I was shocked. Shocking and odd at the same time. There’s gotta be something going on that I’m not privy to.”
Tuomas Iisalo Takes the Helm
In the wake of Jenkins’ departure, assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo was promoted to interim head coach. Iisalo, a native of Finland, becomes the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history.
Before joining the Grizzlies, Iisalo had a successful coaching career in Europe, leading Paris Basketball to a EuroCup championship and earning Coach of the Year honors in the 2023-24 season.
Under Iisalo’s interim leadership, the Grizzlies finished the regular season with a 48-34 record, securing the final Western Conference playoff spot. However, their postseason run was short-lived, as they were swept by the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Looking Ahead
With Iisalo now officially appointed as head coach, the Grizzlies aim to build upon their existing foundation. Kleiman praised Iisalo’s disciplined and tenacious coaching style, expressing optimism about the team’s future under his guidance.
The Grizzlies’ core players, including Morant, Jackson Jr., and Bane, remain under contract, providing stability as the team navigates this transition. As the Western Conference continues to be highly competitive, Memphis will look to Iisalo’s leadership to propel them to greater heights in the coming seasons.
Conclusion
The Grizzlies’ decision to part ways with Taylor Jenkins marks a significant turning point for the franchise. While the move was unexpected, the organization is hopeful that Tuomas Iisalo’s appointment will usher in a new era of success. As the team prepares for the next chapter, all eyes will be on how this coaching change influences their trajectory in the NBA landscape.
