The Milwaukee Bucks have found the franchise’s new head coach. Taylor Jenkins is set to finalize a two-year deal to join the organization.
Jenkins takes over just weeks after Doc Rivers stepped down.
via Shams Charania, ESPN: BREAKING: The Milwaukee Bucks and Taylor Jenkins are finalizing a deal to make Jenkins the franchise’s new head coach, sources tell me and @ramonashelburne. Jenkins, a Bucks assistant in 2018-19, went 250-214 and made three postseasons across six seasons in Memphis.
GettyPHOENIX, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 11: Head coach Taylor Jenkins (R) of the Memphis Grizzlies talks with Ja Morant #12 during the second half of the NBA game at Footprint Center on February 11, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Jenkins, a 41-year-old one-time head coach, has spent the entire 2025-2026 NBA season on the free agency market.
As the 2025-2026 season was winding down, Jenkins was expected to get a look for head coaching positions that would open up. As Charania reported, Jenkins was seen as the “top available commodity” in the NBA.
The Bucks started showing interest in Jenkins last week. Since then, there have been multiple meetings, which led to a secured commitment from the head coach.
Taylor Jenkins’ Past
GettyTaylor Jenkins during his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Last season, Jenkins was 73 games deep into his sixth season as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies before the team decided to cut ties with him. He was shockingly let go, despite being playoff-bound with a 44-29 record.
When Jenkins’ time with the Grizzlies concluded, he had a record of 250-214. The Grizzlies made the playoffs four times under his management, although he was not around for the team’s 2025 run.
Jenkins is now set to take over a Bucks team that has had three different coaches since parting ways with Mike Budenholzer in 2023.
When the Bucks put together their first post-Budenholzer search, they hired Adrian Griffin from the Toronto Raptors. Griffin was with the team for 43 games before the Bucks shockingly let him go. Joe Prunty took over for three games, before Doc Rivers landed the permanent job.
GettyMILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 03: Head coach Doc Rivers of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum on April 03, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Rivers coached the Bucks for 200 games in the regular season. The Bucks won 48.5% of their matchups during that time. The Bucks saw the playoffs twice. They lost in the first round both times.
Now, Jenkins is challenged with the task of getting the Bucks back on track during a critical time for the franchise. There are still plenty of questions surrounding the superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo. It’s unclear if the hiring of Jenkins will help keep the Greek Freak around or not.