The Milwaukee Bucks have made a bold move to reclaim their championship form, hiring former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins to lead the team into a new era. The announcement comes after the Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, snapping a nine-season streak of postseason appearances.
Jenkins, 41, is no stranger to Milwaukee. He served as an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer during the 2018-19 season, a campaign that saw the Bucks post the league's best record and lay the groundwork for their 2021 NBA championship run. After that, Jenkins spent six seasons at the helm of the Grizzlies, where he earned a reputation for developing young talent and fostering a gritty, team-first culture.
He steps into the role vacated by Doc Rivers, who resigned earlier this month after three seasons in Milwaukee. Rivers' tenure ended on a sour note, with the Bucks stumbling to a 32-50 record in the 2024-25 season—their worst finish in nearly a decade. The team had lost in the first round of the playoffs in the two previous years before missing the postseason entirely this year.
In a joint statement, Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan expressed their confidence in the new hire. "Taylor's attention to detail, toughness, and communication skills make it clear that he knows how to cultivate a winning culture," they said. "We are excited to work together toward our collective goal of sustained success and winning championships."
The timing of the hiring is crucial, as the Bucks are working to keep superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. The two-time MVP, who led the team to its 2021 title, has been the subject of trade speculation amid a season marred by injuries and frustration. Antetokounmpo publicly criticized the team's handling of his playing time, adding urgency to the front office's efforts to build a competitive roster around him.
With Jenkins at the helm, the Bucks are signaling a return to the fundamentals that made them champions: discipline, development, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. For a franchise that has tasted glory recently, this hire is a statement that they're not content to rebuild—they're ready to reload.