With only two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season, there are currently two vacant head coaching positions.
The Memphis Grizzlies recently dismissed Taylor Jenkins, a long-tenured coach, approximately three months after the Sacramento Kings made a similar surprising decision by firing Mike Brown during a losing streak in late December.
Could more coaching changes be on the horizon in the coming weeks? Last season saw seven teams make coaching changes, including three teams – the Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns – who made changes after reaching the playoffs.
This article provides an updated overview of the NBA coaching landscape, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each open position and speculating on potential candidates to fill these roles.
Memphis Grizzlies
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2024-25 Record: 44-31 (5th in Western Conference)
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Previous Coach: Taylor Jenkins (fired March 28; interim coach Tuomas Iisalo)
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Lead Executive: Zach Kleiman (hired 2019)
Positive Aspects: Young and Promising Core
Despite dealing with injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies maintain a top-five position in the Western Conference and possess the league`s fifth-best net rating, only behind Oklahoma City, Cleveland, Boston, and Houston.
Anchored by Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis`s core is entering its peak performance years, suggesting sustained competitiveness for the remainder of the decade. Zach Kleiman has demonstrated skill in identifying talent in later draft rounds and among undrafted players, contributing to a deep and versatile roster supporting the team`s stars.
According to an NBA executive, this team, under favorable circumstances, could mirror the Cleveland Cavaliers` trajectory from last season before Kenny Atkinson`s arrival, which significantly improved the team this season. This level of improvement is what Kleiman and the Grizzlies believe is achievable.
Negative Aspects: Smaller Market, Recent Instability
Memphis is not considered a major NBA market, and the team has experienced internal conflict and uncertainty over the past year.
Last summer, the Grizzlies dismissed nearly all of Jenkins`s coaching staff, bringing in new members, including Iisalo and Noah LaRoche. Subsequently, both Jenkins and LaRoche were dismissed, the latter having brought in several player development coaches.
Adding to the complexities, the roster has faced numerous injuries and off-court issues with Ja Morant. The team has managed Morant`s absences due to its strong depth and, until recently, Jenkins`s coaching.
Potential Coaching Candidates
Despite his interim status, Tuomas Iisalo is widely expected to be a strong candidate for the permanent position. The Grizzlies recruited him from Europe last offseason to join Jenkins`s staff, and he now has an opportunity to prove his capabilities, particularly in the playoffs. If Iisalo is not selected, Memphis`s next direction is less clear.
Sacramento Kings
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2024-25 Record: 36-39 (10th in Western Conference)
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Previous Coach: Mike Brown (fired in December; interim coach Doug Christie)
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Lead Executive: Monte McNair (hired 2020)
Positive Aspects: Experienced, Ready-to-Win Roster
While winning an NBA title might be a long shot for Sacramento currently, a coach inheriting a team with players like Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk has a solid foundation for competitiveness in every game. This makes the Kings` position attractive compared to typical coaching vacancies, considering the available player talent.
With these key players under contract for at least a couple more seasons, there`s a window for team development and success, further enhancing the job`s appeal for potential coaches.
Negative Aspects: Small Market, Long History of Instability
Here’s a key point about the Kings: since relocating to Sacramento in 1984, only two coaches have achieved a full season with a winning record: Rick Adelman, who accomplished this for eight consecutive seasons (1999-2006), and Mike Brown in the past two seasons. The Kings have reached the playoffs in just three of the 33 seasons not coached by Adelman, highlighting the historical challenges of this job.
The departure of assistant general manager Wes Wilcox to Utah also suggests potential further instability this offseason, possibly leading to more front office changes. Another drawback is the organization`s reluctance to enter the luxury tax, a financial limit owner Vivek Ranadive has consistently avoided.
Potential Coaching Candidates
Doug Christie has strong ties to the organization, dating back to his role as a starter on the successful Kings teams of the early 2000s under Adelman. Christie has performed capably since taking over from Brown. He is likely to be considered for the head coach position permanently. However, owner Ranadive has a history of hiring high-profile coaches, such as George Karl, Dave Joerger, Luke Walton, and Brown, indicating he might again pursue a big name this summer.
