Grizzlies hire Bucks assistant as new head coach

Taylor Jenkins heads for Memphis

June 11, 2019 8:46 PM

Kevin Lewis,

Posted: June 11, 2019 8:46 PM

Updated: August 31, 2021 12:28 PM

by Kevin Lewis

Jenkins is the third Mike Budenholzer assistant to get a head coaching job.
Jenkins' Grizzlies have the #2 pick in the draft.
Taylor Jenkins is the new head coach of the Grizzlies.

Milwaukee — The Memphis Grizzlies have hired Milwaukee Bucks assistant Taylor Jenkins to be the team’s next head coach. The Grizzlies made it official Tuesday afternoon.

Jenkins, 34, was Mike Budenholzer’s assistant in Milwaukee this season and in Atlanta for five seasons. Jenkins becomes Memphis’ fourth head coach since the Grizzlies chose not to renew Lionel Hollins’ contract after leading them to their lone Western Conference final appearance in 2013.

The Grizzlies are the sixth and final NBA team with a coaching vacancy to fill it. Memphis fired J.B. Bickerstaff the day after the season ended in April. Memphis has a veteran point guard in Mike Conley, Jr., and a promising young forward in Jaren Johnson. The Grizzlies have the number two pick in the NBA Draft, where they’re expected to take high-flying Murray St. guard Ja Morant.