Taylor Jenkins surpasses Lionel Hollins as the Grizzlies’ all-time winningest coach

On By Littum

Taylor Jenkins secured his 215th win with the Memphis Grizzlies to become the winningest coach in franchise history.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Taylor Jenkins has moved to the top of the Memphis Grizzlies coaching ladder.

With Memphis’ 117-111 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, Jenkins, in his sixth season as Grizzlies coach, earned his 215th victory and moved past Lionel Hollins as the winningest coach in franchise history.

“It’s an incredible honor to be in the company of so many great coaches that have come before me,” Jenkins said after celebrating with his team in the locker room. “I always talk about the incredible responsibility of being the coach of this franchise. It’s a privilege and an honor.”

The Memphis Grizzlies coaching staff includes Hubie Brown and Mike Fratello along with Hollins and current Detroit Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff.

Jenkins served in various roles with the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and Milwaukee Bucks before being named head coach of the Grizzlies in June 2019. He made the Western Conference postseason three straight years before injuries derailed the streak last year.

As for the celebration, guard Desmond Bane, who scored 21 points in Wednesday’s win, said “it was special” for the coach he considers the best he’s ever played for.

“Coach Jenkins is the best coach in Memphis Grizzlies history,” Bane said. “He deserves it. Humble guy. … It was good for him to actually embrace it, just because he’s such a humble guy.”

For Jenkins, he enjoyed the moment, was grateful for the accomplishment, but after a brief celebration and reflection, it was all about getting ready for the Grizzlies’ road game against Chicago on Saturday.

“It’s not about me at the end of the day,” Jenkins said. “We have a lot more work to do. But I wake up every day and I’m happy.

“It’s an absolute blessing to be in this position.”