Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman says players not consulted on Taylor Jenkins firing: ‘My decision alone’

Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman didn’t go into great detail about why ex-coach Taylor Jenkins was fired with just nine games remaining and playoff positioning up for grabs. But at least Kleiman met with reporters.

Credit where it’s due, we guess.

“I came to the conclusion that this was in the best interest of the team,” Kleiman said, via Matt Infield of WMCA News. “Urgency is a core principle of ours. So, decided to go on with the move.”

The Grizzlies (44-29) enter Saturday’s game against the Lakers (44-29) in a tie for fourth place in the Western Conference standings. The winner of that game will be in sole possession with eight to go. Memphis is just two back of the Nuggets for second.

Jenkins was fired on Friday after six seasons. He exits as the Grizzlies’ all-time winningest coach.

Per Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal, some of the players were shocked over the timing of the move. Kleiman admitted that the players were not consulted before Jenkins was fired.

“No,” Kleiman said when asked. “This decision is mine and mine only.”

This … didn’t explain much pic.twitter.com/pE4xfX6d44

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) March 29, 2025

For the record, the Grizzlies have not played as well lately.

“As this season went on, the numbers continued to suggest an early playoff exit was in the future,” Cole wrote. “With an 11-20 record against teams above .500, they have the worst winning percentage of the top nine seeds in the West. Those struggles have grown since the All-Star break. Memphis has an 8-11 record since then and has dropped from the No. 2 seed to No. 5.”

NBA sources told Hoops Wire they thought that there could be a coaching change in Memphis after the season, but were also stunned at the timing of the decision.

• More Grizzlies | More changes could be on way, perhaps involving Morant

Zach Kleiman spoke for 2 minutes and 40 seconds this morning.

He said multiple times, “This decision was mine and mine only.”

He didn’t want to talk big picture. When asked about the future of the head coaching spot, he said the focus is on the Lakers tonight.

— Damichael Cole (@DamichaelC) March 29, 2025