Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins makes no sense (yet): Instant reaction & analysis

According to Chris Haynes, the Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins. Memphis only has nine games remaining in their season before the postseason begins, and they are in a heated battle for home-court advantage in the first round. Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman put out a statement on the move alongside PR’s press release:

“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons. This was a difficult decision given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward.”

Now, the Grizzlies will have to find a new face to lead the franchise.

Grizzlies firing Taylor Jenkins makes no sense

Jake Fischer of The Stein Line added some additional commentary, noting that Memphis cleaned house last offseason, effectively getting rid of everyone on Jenkins’ staff.

“Memphis changed out virtually all of Taylor Jenkins’ coaching staff after last season, which raised eyebrows across the league,” Fischer tweeted. “But to make this decision on the Grizzlies’ bench right now… a truly surprising development.”

After a treacherous season filled with injuries and suspensions last year, the Grizzlies have been awesome. They have completely turned things around and have a real shot at making noise in the playoffs this season. Yet still, they decided to make a drastic change extremely late in the season.

Jaren Jackson Jr. is having the best year of his career, Santi Aldama has emerged as an impressive rotation piece, and rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells have looked great, too

It doesn’t make a ton of sense to fire a coach this close to the postseason unless there are serious issues that are unknown to the public, which is very possible.

Shams Charania of ESPN revealed that the Grizzlies called Jenkins into the offices to fire him in person:

“Taylor Jenkins was called into the Grizzlies office this morning and was fired in person, sources tell ESPN. Stunning dismissal. Jenkins now becomes one of the top head coaching candidates for the upcoming cycle. He had a .539 winning percentage as Grizzlies coach.”

Perhaps there are problems going on behind the scenes. Maybe Jenkins doesn’t get along with some of Memphis’ stars (though the opposite has looked to be true based on his sideline interactions). The front office may just not have the same vision as him.

Unfortunately, that’s all speculation, and on the outside looking in, this move doesn’t make any sense whatsoever.

If there are longstanding issues with Jenkins, as Fischer’s tweet may indicate, then why not fire him before the season? Or even mid-season? Trying to scramble to find a new coach this close to the postseason is almost unheard of.

There had to have been an incident that led to this move. Otherwise, this is a shockingly foolish move by the Grizzlies.