Sources: Grizzlies to hire Bucks’ Jenkins as HC

The Memphis Grizzlies are hiring Milwaukee Bucks assistant Taylor Jenkins to become the franchise’s new head coach, league sources tell ESPN.

A formal announcement is expected on Tuesday, sources said.

Jenkins has rapidly built a reputation as an outstanding young teacher and tactician, and he’ll take over a Grizzlies roster that includes veteran star Mike Conley Jr., promising young forward Jaren Jackson Jr. and, presumably, Murray State point guard Ja Morant, whom the franchise is targeting with the No. 2 overall pick in next week’s NBA draft.

The Grizzlies’ new executive vice president of basketball operations, Zach Kleiman, led the coaching search.

Jenkins is the third NBA coach to come directly off Mike Budenholzer’s staff, joining Utah‘s Quin Snyder and Brooklyn‘s Kenny Atkinson.

The Grizzlies had conducted a wide-ranging search over the past two months, including the consideration of EuroLeague, NBA and NCAA coaching candidates. Jenkins met with Memphis officials three times, including with Memphis owner Robert Pera last week, sources said.

Jenkins has been an assistant on Budenholzer’s staffs with the Bucks (2018-19 season) and Atlanta Hawks (2013-18). He started his coaching career with the San Antonio Spurs‘ G-League franchise in Austin, Texas, where he led the team to the playoffs. Jenkins is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.