The Memphis Grizzlies appear headed to the NBA postseason. With just nine games remaining in the regular season, the Grizzlies hold a 44-29 record and the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference playoff standings.
If the season ended today, Memphis would be in the playoffs. However, they could also drop into the play-in tournament depending on how the final nine games go.
Despite the solid all-around season they have had, the Grizzlies made the decision on Friday to fire head coach Taylor Jenkins.
Jenkins has been the head coach in Memphis since the 2019-20 season. With his tenure as the Grizzlies' head coach now over, he compiled a 250-214 record with the franchise.
He led them to the playoffs in three of his first five years and appeared headed in that direction this year as well.
Since the move was made, there has been speculation that Ja Morant could have had something to do with the team's decision. Firing a head coach this close to the playoffs does not happen very often.
Despite the speculation, Memphis general manager Zach Kleiman put those rumors to bed.
"No," he said. "This decision is mine and mine only."
Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman spoke this morning on the Taylor Jenkins dismissal and was asked if any of the players were consulted on the firing. "No," he said. "This decision is mine and mine only."
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 29, 2025
To replace Jenkins, the Grizzlies have named Tuomas Iisalo as their interim head coach. He was the head coach of Paris Basketball in 2024 and won the EuroCup and EuruCup coach of the year.
Heading into the offseason, Memphis will begin a head coaching search. One name to keep an eye on could be Boston Celtics assistant coach Sam Cassell.
Related: 4-Time NBA Champion a Top Candidate to Replace Taylor Jenkins as Grizzlies Coach
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This story was originally published March 29, 2025 at 11:45 AM.