The Memphis Grizzlies absolutely stunned the NBA world on Friday afternoon when they revealed they were “parting ways” with head coach Taylor Jenkins just a couple of weeks before the start of the 2025 playoffs.
Heading into their game on Saturday’s NBA schedule, the Grizzlies will be led by a new voice from the bench. In a move that no one expected, the team announced they had dismissed Jenkins from his role despite the team being the fifth seed (44-29) in a very tough Western Conference.
“I genuinely appreciate Taylor’s contributions to this team and this city over the past six seasons,” Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman said in a statement. “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.”
The bold decision comes just a couple of weeks before the 2025 NBA playoffs kick off. Jenkins was on pace for a third 50-plus win season and fourth postseason trip in five years. It likely would have been six straight if not for a season-ending injury to top star Ja Morant last year.
Replicating his success won’t be easy. But with that in mind, here are five coaches the Memphis Grizzlies could target to replace Jenkins this summer.
Five coaches Memphis Grizzlies could target to replace Taylor Jenkins
Sam Cassell
Fifteen-year NBA veteran Sam Cassell has been viewed as one of the best assistants in the league for years. And has had several head coach interviews. However, he has yet to land a job. Sooner or later, some team will give him an overdue opportunity. There is a good chance he will be at the top of the Grizzlies’ wish list. Cassell was tied for first in a recent poll of NBA general managers on the best assistant in the game today.
Monty Williams
Monty Williams was seen as one of the great young coaches in the sport after winning Coach of the Year honors with the Suns a few seasons ago. However, after being fired from Phoenix and leading a historically bad Pistons team a year ago, his stock has dropped significantly. Nevertheless, he has many fans around the NBA and will certainly be considered by the Grizzlies.
Frank Vogel
Frank Vogel has been the victim of some ownership groups willing to let their players dictate the future during his last two stops. Despite leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship in the bubble, he was surprisingly fired after missing the playoffs two seasons ago. Then he was one-and-done in Phoenix after being given a weird mix of players. They have been far worse without him in 2024-25. If the Grizzlies want a proven coach with a long resume, Vogel could be on their interview list.
Micah Nori
The person tied with Cassell on that aforementioned poll of the best assistants today was Timberwolves coach Micah Nori. He has been an assistant in the league for 16 seasons and with five different teams. Of the various assistants around the game, no more ready and respected coach will be available this offseason than Nori.
Adrian Griffin
Adrian Griffin was an assistant for 15 seasons before he landed the head coach gig with the Milwaukee Bucks last season. Unfortunately, a 30-13 record was not good enough for the organization, and he was shockingly fired. He is too good of a coach not to get a second look. And being a top candidate for the Memphis Grizzlies is likely.
