Taylor Jenkins is an American professional basketball coach known for becoming the winningest head coach in Memphis Grizzlies franchise history. He gained public attention for leading the Grizzlies to their first division title and for being hired as the head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks in 2026, returning to the team where he previously served as an assistant.
Quick Facts
Full Name: Taylor Jenkins
Age: 41 (born September 12, 1984)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Professional Basketball Coach
Known For: Winningest coach in Memphis Grizzlies history; three playoff appearances in six seasons
Marital Status: Not confirmed
Children: Not confirmed
Early Life and Background
Jenkins was born in Arlington, Texas, on September 12, 1984. He attended St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas, where he was team captain for two seasons. He then enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, graduating with a degree in economics, majoring in management with a minor in psychology.
Career and Achievements
Jenkins began his basketball career in 2006 as an intern with the San Antonio Spurs before joining their development league affiliate, the Austin Toros, as an assistant coach from 2008 to 2012, winning a D-League championship in 2012. He became head coach of the Toros for the 2012-13 season, posting a 27-23 record.
From 2013 to 2018, Jenkins served as an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer with the Atlanta Hawks, helping the team reach the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, including an Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 2015.
In 2018, Jenkins followed Budenholzer to the Milwaukee Bucks as an assistant coach. That season, the Bucks posted an NBA-best 60-22 regular-season record.
On June 11, 2019, Jenkins was hired as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, his first head coaching job in the NBA. Over six seasons in Memphis, he compiled a 250-214 record, making him the winningest coach in Grizzlies franchise history. He led the Grizzlies to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2020 to 2023, including a division title in 2022 the first in franchise history and a second-round playoff appearance. Jenkins was named Western Conference Coach of the Month twice: in January 2020 and December 2021.
The Grizzlies fired Jenkins in March 2025 with only nine games remaining in the regular season.
Major Event or Controversy
No major controversies are associated with Taylor Jenkins.
Why He Is In the News
Jenkins is in the news after reports emerged on April 23, 2026, that the Milwaukee Bucks are finalizing a deal to hire him as the franchise’s new head coach. He replaces Doc Rivers, who stepped down as Bucks coach 10 days prior after three seasons at Milwaukee. Jenkins previously served as a Bucks assistant under Mike Budenholzer during the 2018-19 season.
Conclusion
Taylor Jenkins is a 41-year-old NBA coach who rose from the D-League ranks to become the winningest coach in Memphis Grizzlies history. Now returning to Milwaukee, where he once served as an assistant, he will take over a Bucks franchise led by Giannis Antetokounmpo as they look to return to title contention.
