SAD NEWS: Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman Fires Head Coach Taylor Jenkins and Two Assistant Coaches, Citing Need for ‘New Direction and Accountability’ in Wake of Disappointing… 

Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman Fires Head Coach Taylor Jenkins and Two Assistant Coaches, Citing Need for ‘New Direction and Accountability’ in Wake of Disappointing…

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NBA, Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman announced Tuesday the firing of head coach Taylor Jenkins and two assistant coaches, citing the organization’s need for “a new direction and greater accountability” following a disappointing 2024–25 season.

Jenkins, who had been with the franchise since 2019, led the Grizzlies through some of their most successful years in recent memory, including back-to-back playoff appearances and a second-place finish in the Western Conference during the 2022–23 season. However, after a tumultuous year marked by injuries, underperformance, and internal inconsistency, Kleiman made the difficult decision to part ways with the 39-year-old coach and key members of his staff.

“This is not a decision that was made lightly,” Kleiman said during a press conference at FedExForum. “Taylor is a tremendous coach and person, and he’s done a lot for this organization. But after evaluating where we are and where we need to go, we felt that it was time for a fresh start and a new voice in the locker room.”

The Grizzlies stumbled to a 34-48 record this season, missing the playoffs for the first time in three years. Star guard Ja Morant missed most of the season due to suspension and injury, and the team never quite found its rhythm, struggling on both ends of the floor. Despite flashes of potential from young players like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, Memphis was often outmatched, especially in late-game situations where coaching decisions came under scrutiny.

Sources close to the organization said frustrations had been building internally for months, with questions about in-game adjustments, player development, and the overall direction of the team. Kleiman, who has built a reputation as one of the league’s sharpest young executives, reportedly pushed for deeper accountability as the season unraveled.

Along with Jenkins, assistant coaches Brad Jones and Scoonie Penn were also let go. Jones had served as the team’s lead assistant and had been part of Jenkins’ staff since day one, while Penn joined the organization in 2021 after a stint in college basketball.

“This isn’t just about wins and losses,” Kleiman said. “It’s about the culture we’re trying to maintain and grow. We owe it to our players, our fans, and this city to set a standard. We didn’t meet that standard this year, and we take full ownership of that.”

Jenkins released a brief statement through the team, thanking the Grizzlies organization and fans for their support over the past six seasons.

“Coaching in Memphis has been the honor of a lifetime,” Jenkins wrote. “I’m proud of what we built here and deeply grateful for the relationships and memories. I’ll always have love for this city and the players I’ve had the privilege to coach.”

The search for a new head coach is expected to begin immediately. Kleiman said the organization would conduct a “comprehensive and thorough” process and would prioritize candidates who can bring both strategic innovation and strong leadership qualities.

“We’re not looking to rebuild—we’re looking to retool,” Kleiman emphasized. “We have a young core with championship potential. The right coach can come in here and help unlock that.”

Names already circulating in league circles include veteran coaches with playoff experience, as well as a few rising assistants from successful franchises. Given Kleiman’s track record of bold and sometimes unconventional decisions—like the surprising trade for Marcus Smart last offseason—it’s unclear which direction Memphis may ultimately go.

As the Grizzlies face a pivotal offseason, including draft considerations and potential roster moves, the pressure is on to make the right hire and steer the franchise back toward contention.

The move marks a clear shift in organizational tone: one that signals urgency, accountability, and an unrelenting commitment to winning. And while Jenkins departs with respect and appreciation, his firing also sends a message—no one is immune to change when the standards aren’t met.

For a team that once prided itself on gritty, grind-it-out basketball, the next era of Grizzlies hoops is officially underway. Whether it leads to sustained success or more growing pains remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the patience in Memphis has run