The Memphis Grizzlies have taken the shock decision to separate after six seasons with head coach Taylor Jenkins, despite the fact that the team is in the NBA play-off-bound.
Jenkins had led his team to the fourth best record in the Western Conference this season with only nine games to go, only behind Oklahoma City, Houston and Denver, and on the same footing with the Los Angeles Lakers.
But despite their impressive form, much improved after a 13th placed finish last season, the president of the team revealed the amazing news on Friday afternoon.
In a statement, President and GM said Basketball Operations Zach Kleiman: 'I have really appreciated the last six seasons for Taylor's contributions to this team and this city.
'This was a difficult decision, given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success led by Taylor. I wish Taylor the very best in the future. '
Shortly after the announcement, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Jenkins was called in the Grizzlies facility and told the news personally on Friday morning.
Taylor Jenkins was fired by the Memphis Grizzlies after six seasons that are in charge of the team
Led by JA MORANT, the Grizzlies in PlayOFF -with only nine games left to play
Referring to the 'stunning decision' added Charania: 'Jenkins is now one of the best head coach candidates for the coming cycle', with a winning percentage of .539 in Memphis.
He took over the team for the first time for the 2019-2020 season and made the play-offs in three of his five completed seasons.
This year the Grizzlies looked to make the play -offs under his leadership again, but the task of completing the task will now be given to someone else.
The last match of Jenkins came on Thursday evening when Memphis was defeated by Oklahoma City
Jenkins was on his way to a third season of making the play -offs for his six years that was in charge
Milwaukee was the 40-year-old Jenkins' first head coaching track in the NBA, after he was previously assistant coach at the Atlanta Hawks from 2013 to 2018, before moving to Milwaukee in the same position for a year.
The decision, perhaps not surprising, had fans in shock on social media, with one writing: “The 44-29 Grizzlies shot their coach just before the play-offs … What's going on?!”
Another added: 'The Grizzlies played far above their available talent level for 3 of the last 4 seasons and Taylor Jenkins was perhaps the biggest reason why.
'Consistently received value from the back -end rotation boys. And we are 10 games away from the play -offs? Shocking.'
