​In a surprising development,
the Memphis Grizzlies have parted ways with head coach Taylor
Jenkins, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Despite the team’s solid 44-29
record and a fifth-place standing in the Western Conference,
Jenkins would be fired with days remaining before the playoffs
start. Assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo has been named interim head
coach for the remainder of the season for the Grizzlies.

Jenkins, 40, departs as the
winningest coach in franchise history, amassing a 250-214 record
since his appointment in June 2019. During his tenure, he led the
Grizzlies to three playoff appearances and was instrumental in the
development of key players.

General Manager Zach Kleiman
stated that the decision was made in the best interest of the
team’s future, emphasizing that it was his sole decision and not
influenced by players.  The move comes as the Grizzlies have
faced a recent downturn, losing five of their last seven
games.

Tuomas Iisalo, who steps in as
interim head coach, brings a wealth of experience from European
basketball. Prior to joining the Grizzlies as an assistant, Iisalo
served as the head coach for Paris Basketball, leading them to a
EuroCup victory, and was named Coach of the Year in Finland in
2024.  His promotion marks him as the first Finnish-born head
coach in NBA history. 

The Grizzlies face a challenging
schedule ahead, with eight of their final nine games against teams
contending for playoff or play-in spots.  The organization and
fans alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds
under Iisalo’s leadership as they approach the
postseason.​