The Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins on Friday after six seasons despite the club being on course to reach the NBA playoffs.
In a brief statement, Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said the team had decided to sack Jenkins in what was described as a “difficult decision.”
“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” Kleiman said in a statement.
“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 surprising move comes with the Grizzlies firmly on course to reach the Western Conference playoffs.
The Grizzlies are currently fifth in the standings with a 44-29 record.
Although Memphis has dropped four of its last five games — including a 125-104 drubbing by the league-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday, there had been little indication that Jenkins’ job was at risk.
The 40-year-old was appointed as Grizzlies head coach in 2019, missing out on the playoffs in his first season in charge.
However he took the team to the playoffs in three straight seasons between 2021 and 2023, before missing out last year.
© Agence France-Presse
Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images
