Bucks near agreement to name Taylor Jenkins head coach
bucks-near-agreement-to-name-taylor-jenkins-head-coach
The Milwaukee Bucks are close to finalizing a contract that would make Taylor Jenkins the team’s next head coach, league sources told ESPN on Thursday, April 23, 2026.
Jenkins returns to Milwaukee after serving as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer during the 2018-19 season. He later guided the Memphis Grizzlies to a 250-214 record, the best mark in that franchise’s history, and led Memphis to three playoff berths in six seasons before being dismissed in March 2025.
According to sources, Bucks ownership and front-office executives met with Jenkins in person last week in Memphis and again on Tuesday in Milwaukee to secure his commitment. Team officials viewed the 41-year-old as the most sought-after coach on the market, citing his track record in player development and his reputation for establishing a competitive culture.
Milwaukee finished this season 32-50, ending a run of nine straight playoff appearances. Jenkins would replace Doc Rivers, who went 97-103 over three seasons with the Bucks.
The hire comes as questions swirl around the future of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Sources said Antetokounmpo had no role in the coaching search and has had limited discussions with team leadership since the trade deadline. The 30-year-old forward is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract and has explored potential trade possibilities with the organization.
Asked earlier this month whether he had played his last game in Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo replied, “That’s a very good question. I don’t know. It’s not up to me. We’ll see.”
Source: ESPN
