Ex-Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins Finds New NBA Home

April 30, 2026

 

It shocked the basketball world when the Memphis Grizzlies fired Taylor Jenkins with just nine games remaining in the regular season last month. But it didn't take the sought-after coach long to find a new gig.

Jenkins has officially been hired as the next head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Jenkins has a bit of a history in Milwaukee, having been an assistant on Mike Budenholzer’s staff that won a league-high 60 games and took the Bucks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2019 before losing to the eventual champions, the Toronto Raptors. 

“Taylor is an innovative and driven coach who embodies the culture of winning and hard work,” said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst. “His basketball intellect, comprehensive experience and leadership ability have played a key role in building successful teams throughout his career. He’s the right fit to take our team to the next level.”

From his six years in Memphis, Jenkins holds the Grizzlies' franchise record for most wins as a head coach, finishing with a 250-214 record. He was also a finalist for NBA Coach of the Year in the 2021-22 Season, after leading the Grizzlies to a 56-26 record and the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.

Perhaps Jenkins' first big job in Milwaukee will come long before the 2026-27 season begins. He'll be tasked with trying to convince two-time MVP and 2021 Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to stay in Milwaukee. The superstar has had one foot out the door for the past year at least, and a trade is expected this summer. Unless Jenkins can work his magic. 

Photo: © Chris Day / The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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