Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins made franchise history on Wednesday night. With a 117-111 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Jenkins secured his 215th win, officially surpassing Lionel Hollins to become the winningest coach in the team’s history. This significant milestone marks a high point in Jenkins’ successful six-season tenure with the organization.
A Milestone Achieved with Humility
In a postgame interview, Taylor Jenkins reflected on the achievement, not with self-praise, but with gratitude for those who came before him. “It’s an unbelievable honor to be among the company of so many great coaches that have come before me,” Jenkins stated. His tenure has been marked by consistent success, leading the team to three straight playoff appearances.
This accomplishment places him ahead of notable Grizzlies coaches like Hubie Brown and Lionel Hollins. While the record is a personal achievement, Jenkins immediately framed it as a testament to the entire organization and the players he has coached over the years.
Celebration and Respect in the Locker Room
The mood in the Grizzlies’ locker room after the game was electric. Players celebrated their coach’s historic moment, showing the deep respect he commands. Guard Desmond Bane, who was a key contributor in the win, did not hold back his praise.
“Coach Jenkins is the best coach in Memphis Grizzlies history,” Bane declared. “He deserves it. Humble guy… It was good for him to actually embrace it.” This sentiment echoes the strong culture Jenkins has built within the team, one based on hard work, mutual respect, and a shared vision for success.
Jenkins’ Steady Leadership in Memphis
Since taking the helm in 2019, Jenkins has been the architect of the Grizzlies’ recent rise. His coaching journey, which included assistant roles in San Antonio, Atlanta, and Milwaukee, prepared him to lead a young and dynamic Memphis roster. Under his guidance, players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. have developed into stars.
His key achievements with the Grizzlies include:
- Leading the team to three consecutive Western Conference postseason berths.
- Developing a strong, cohesive team culture.
- Overseeing the growth of a young core into legitimate contenders.
This milestone win serves as a bright spot for the franchise, especially after a challenging previous season marred by injuries that snapped their playoff streak.
| Coach | Wins | Tenure | Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taylor Jenkins | 215 | 2019–present | Most wins in franchise history, 3 playoff berths |
| Lionel Hollins | 214 | 2009–2013 | Western Conference Finals appearance |
| Mike Fratello | 95 | 2004–2006 | 2 playoff appearances |
| Hubie Brown | 83 | 2002–2004 | NBA Coach of the Year (2004) |
Focus Remains on the Future
While Jenkins took a moment to appreciate the historic accomplishment, his focus quickly returned to the team’s goals. He is known for his forward-looking and humble approach, which has become a defining characteristic of his leadership style.
“It’s not about me at the end of the day,” Jenkins said, emphasizing the collective mission. “We’ve got a lot more work to do.” He immediately began preparing for the team’s next game against the Chicago Bulls.
As the Grizzlies move forward, this record stands as a symbol of the stability and excellence Jenkins has brought to the franchise. With their coach now cemented in the history books, the team and its fans are hopeful for a return to the playoffs and even greater success in the seasons to come.
