Grizzlies Struggle After Firing Head Coach Taylor Jenkins

Players express emotional reactions as interim coach Tuomas Iisalo leads Memphis through a difficult stretch before the playoffs.

The Memphis Grizzlies unexpectedly fired head coach Taylor Jenkins on March 28, 2025, despite a 44-30 record and playoff contention.
General Manager Zach Kleiman stated the decision was his alone, citing urgency and the team's best interests as key factors.
Players, including Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., expressed shock and sadness, reflecting on Jenkins's impact on their careers.
Desmond Bane organized a team meeting to process emotions and encouraged teammates to focus on their remaining games under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo.
The Grizzlies have lost five of their last six games, including a defeat to the Lakers on March 29, and remain winless against teams with winning records since February 2.