Grizzlies name Jenkins of Bucks as new head coach

The Memphis Grizzlies have named the assistant to the franchise's head coach, Taylor Jenkins, assistant to Milwaukee Bucks, the team announced Tuesday.

The Grizzlies will officially present Jenkins as head coach Wednesday.

Jenkins has quickly built a reputation as an outstanding teacher and tactician. He will pick up a list of Grizzlies players that will include veteran star Mike Conley Jr., the franchise's target with the second pick in the NBA draft next week.

New Grizzlies Vice President of Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman led the search for coaches.

Jenkins is the third NBA coach to join Mike Budenholzer's staff directly, joining Quin Snyder (Utah) and Kenny Atkinson (Brooklyn).

The Grizzlies had conducted extensive research over the last two months, including taking into account the coaching candidates of EuroLeague, NBA and NCAA. Jenkins has met with Memphis officials three times, including with Memphis owner Robert Pera last week, sources said.

Jenkins was an assistant on Budenholzer's staff with the Bucks (2018-1920 season) and Atlanta Hawks (2013-18). He began 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 Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.