Milwaukee Bucks finalize deal to hire Taylor Jenkins as new head coach
Mar 25, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins watches his team from the sidelines during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are finalizing a deal to hire Taylor Jenkins as the franchise’s new head coach, sources told ESPN on Thursday. This marks a return to Milwaukee for Jenkins, who served as an assistant coach on Mike Budenholzer’s staff during the 2018-19 season when the Bucks posted an NBA-best 60-22 record.
Jenkins brings significant head coaching experience after his tenure with the Memphis Grizzlies from 2019-25, where he posted a 250-214 record that made him the winningest coach in franchise history. Under his leadership, Memphis made three consecutive playoff appearances from 2021-23, including a second-round appearance in 2022.
A critical juncture for Milwaukee
The Bucks’ brass, including ownership, met in person with Jenkins last week in Memphis and on Tuesday in Milwaukee to secure his commitment. Jenkins was seen as the top available option in the NBA coaching landscape, with his player development pedigree and tenure as a culture-setter making him the Bucks’ top target.
Jenkins takes over after Doc Rivers’ departure, who went 97-103 across three seasons in Milwaukee. The Bucks announced Rivers’ departure on April 13, the day after their season ended. The 64-year-old Rivers had mentioned during the final stages of the season that he wanted to spend more time with his grandchildren.
The new coach inherits a franchise at a crossroads, with significant questions surrounding the future of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. The nine-time All-NBA forward enters the final guaranteed season of his contract next season and has explored trade options with the franchise.
Antetokounmpo’s uncertain future
Antetokounmpo was not believed to have any involvement in the hiring process and has not had substantive communication with the team’s upper brass about plans since the trade deadline, according to sources with direct knowledge of the situation. When asked whether he has played his last game in a Milwaukee uniform earlier this month, Antetokounmpo did not close the door on staying with the Bucks.
« That’s a very good question, » Antetokounmpo said. « I don’t know. It’s not up to me. We’ll see. »
The 31-year-old forward is eligible to become a free agent after next season if he doesn’t sign a four-year, $275 million contract extension in October. Jenkins worked with Antetokounmpo during his earlier stint with the Bucks and will need to rebuild that relationship amid ongoing tensions over the star’s health status and future commitment to the franchise.
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