The Milwaukee Bucks are in the final stages of negotiations to hire Taylor Jenkins as their next head coach, according to multiple verified reports. Jenkins, who most recently served as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies from 2019 to 2025, is emerging as the leading candidate to replace Doc Rivers, whose tenure ended after the 2024-25 NBA season. The Bucks’ ownership group, led by Wes Edens and Jimmy Haslam, along with general manager Jon Horst, traveled to Memphis earlier in April 2026 to meet with Jenkins and discuss the franchise’s vision moving forward.
Jenkins brings a proven track record to Milwaukee, having compiled a 250-214 regular-season record (.539 winning percentage) during his six seasons with the Grizzlies. Under his leadership, Memphis made the playoffs in four of those six seasons, including a second-round appearance in 2021-22 when the team tied a franchise record with 56 wins. That season as well earned Jenkins second-place finishes in NBA Coach of the Year voting. Before his stint in Memphis, Jenkins served as an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer with the Bucks during the 2018-19 season, a year in which Milwaukee won 60 games and reached the Eastern Conference finals.
The reported interest in Jenkins marks a significant shift in the Bucks’ coaching search, which had initially been expected to be a lengthy and exhaustive process. Earlier in April, team officials had emphasized the importance of a thorough evaluation of candidates. However, sources indicate that the Bucks have accelerated their pursuit of Jenkins due to his prior familiarity with the organization, his player-development focus, and his ability to implement structured, defensively sound systems—qualities seen as vital for a roster aiming to return to contention.
Despite his overall success, Jenkins’ tenure in Memphis was not without challenges. The 2023-24 season proved particularly difficult, as the Grizzlies finished with a 27-55 record. That season was heavily impacted by injuries and off-court issues involving star point guard Ja Morant, who played in only nine games. Memphis used 33 different players that year, reflecting significant roster instability. Reports indicate that front-office decisions, including the mandate to add new offensive assistants and dismiss existing staff, contributed to growing tensions between Jenkins and Morant, ultimately leading to Jenkins’ dismissal with nine games remaining in the regular season, despite the team holding a 44-29 record at that point.
Since his departure from Memphis, Jenkins has remained in the city with his family and has been viewed as one of the top available coaching candidates in the NBA. His reconnection with the Bucks organization presents a potential homecoming of sorts, given his prior role on Milwaukee’s bench. While no official announcement has been made as of April 23, 2026, and contract details have not been disclosed, sources confirm that further discussions are expected in the coming days to finalize the agreement.
The hiring of Jenkins would signal a strategic move by the Bucks to stabilize their coaching position after a period of fluctuation. It would also reunite him with a front office that values analytical approaches and player development—principles Jenkins has consistently emphasized throughout his coaching career. For a franchise aiming to build around its core talent and return to playoff relevance, Jenkins’ experience in nurturing young players and adapting to roster transitions could prove instrumental.
As of now, neither the Bucks nor Jenkins’ representatives have issued public statements confirming the deal. The next expected checkpoint in the process is an official announcement from the Milwaukee Bucks, which typically follows the completion of contract negotiations and league approval procedures. Fans and analysts alike will be watching for formal confirmation in the near term.
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