The Milwaukee Bucks have officially named Taylor Jenkins as their new head coach, bringing the former Memphis Grizzlies leader to a team hungry for a fresh start. The announcement came Thursday, marking a pivotal moment for a franchise that endured a rare 50-loss season, snapping an impressive nine-year playoff streak.
Jenkins, 41, steps into the role previously held by Doc Rivers, who stepped down just a day after the season ended. The Bucks' ownership group—Wes Edens, Jimmy Haslam, Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan—expressed confidence in the hire, praising Jenkins' "attention to detail, toughness, and communication skills." They added, "He knows how to cultivate a winning culture, and we're excited to work together toward sustained success and championships."
An introductory press conference is set for Wednesday at the Milwaukee Art Museum, offering fans their first look at the new leader of the bench. Jenkins is no stranger to the Bucks' organization, having served as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer during the 2018-19 season—a campaign where Milwaukee posted a league-best 60-22 record and reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
Before returning to Milwaukee, Jenkins spent six seasons as head coach of the Grizzlies, compiling a 250-214 record and guiding Memphis to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2021 to 2023. His tenure ended abruptly in 2025 when he was fired with nine games remaining, but his track record of building competitive teams speaks volumes.
Jenkins' coaching roots run deep with Budenholzer, having also worked alongside him in Atlanta from 2013 to 2018. During that stretch, the Hawks made four playoff appearances, including a trip to the 2015 Eastern Conference Finals. "I know first-hand how important this team is to Bucks fans and the City of Milwaukee, and I'm so excited to get to work," Jenkins said in a statement.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst echoed the excitement, calling Jenkins "an innovative and driven coach who embodies the culture of winning and hard work." With his blend of experience, familiarity with the organization, and a proven ability to develop talent, Jenkins is poised to lead Milwaukee back to contention.