Grizzlies part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins before playoffs

​In a surprising development, the Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Despite the team's solid 44-29 record and a fifth-place standing in the Western Conference, Jenkins would be fired with days remaining before the playoffs start. Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has been named interim head coach for the remainder of the season for the Grizzlies.

Jenkins, 40, departs as the winningest coach in franchise history, amassing a 250-214 record since his appointment in June 2019. During his tenure, he led the Grizzlies to three playoff appearances and was instrumental in the development of key players.

General Manager Zach Kleiman stated that the decision was made in the best interest of the team's future, emphasizing that it was his sole decision and not influenced by players.  The move comes as the Grizzlies have faced a recent downturn, losing five of their last seven games.

Tuomas Iisalo, who steps in as interim head coach, brings a wealth of experience from European basketball. Prior to joining the Grizzlies as an assistant, Iisalo served as the head coach for Paris Basketball, leading them to a EuroCup victory, and was named Coach of the Year in Finland in 2024.  His promotion marks him as the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history. 

The Grizzlies face a challenging schedule ahead, with eight of their final nine games against teams contending for playoff or play-in spots.  The organization and fans alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds under Iisalo's leadership as they approach the postseason.​