Taylor Jenkins hired as new Milwaukee Bucks head coach

The Milwaukee Bucks have agreed to terms with Taylor Jenkins to become the franchise’s next head coach, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania, marking the first coaching hire of the NBA offseason.

Jenkins, who most recently served as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies for six seasons, will replace Doc Rivers, who stepped down earlier this month after three seasons in Milwaukee. The deal brings Jenkins back to the organization where he served as an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer during the 2018-19 season.

According to Charania’s report, the Bucks’ ownership and front office met with Jenkins in person last week in Memphis and again on Tuesday in Milwaukee to secure his commitment. Jenkins was identified as the top available coaching candidate due to his player development track record, experience establishing team culture and competitive drive.

During his tenure in Memphis, Jenkins compiled a 250-214 record and led the Grizzlies to three playoff appearances. He was fired late in the 2024-25 season while Memphis was positioned for a fourth consecutive postseason berth.

The hiring comes amid significant uncertainty surrounding the future of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo’s status with the team has been questioned for over a year, with trade request speculation persisting throughout the disappointing 2024-25 season in which the Bucks posted a 32-50 record.

Jenkins’ previous connection to Milwaukee could prove valuable in retention efforts. As noted by CBS Sports, his year as a lead assistant with the Bucks under Budenholzer provides familiarity with Antetokounmpo and knowledge of how to operate systems built around the franchise star.

Sports Illustrated reported that Jenkins served as an assistant under Budenholzer in 2018-19 after previously working with him for five seasons in Atlanta. The outlet also noted unconfirmed social media rumors of Antetokounmpo being spotted with Jenkins around Milwaukee earlier in the week, including potential school visits for Jenkins’ children, though these sightings remain unverified.

Bucks forward Bobby Portis, who is under contract for the upcoming season with a player option for 2028-29, recently shared his perspective on the hiring, suggesting that Antetokounmpo values a head coach who establishes a strong team culture similar to what was present during the Budenholzer era.

The Sporting News indicated that while Jenkins’ return to Milwaukee could influence Antetokounmpo’s decision, the limited nature of their previous interaction—just one season together under Budenholzer—means the depth of their relationship remains uncertain.

As the first NBA team to finalize a coaching change this offseason, the Bucks now shift focus to the upcoming free agency period and potential roster moves aimed at either convincing Antetokounmpo to remain in Milwaukee or preparing for a potential transition if he requests a trade.

The official announcement of Jenkins’ hiring is expected imminently, with the coach set to begin his second stint with the franchise as he looks to restore competitiveness to a team that missed the playoffs in the 2024-25 season.

What this means for Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks remains the central question facing the organization as it enters a critical offseason that could determine the trajectory of the franchise for years to come.

Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Milwaukee Bucks’ offseason developments and all NBA news.