MILWAUKEE — Sources close to the situation reveal that the Milwaukee Bucks are on the verge of completing an agreement with Taylor Jenkins to become their new head coach following Doc Rivers’ exit, according to information shared with The Associated Press on Thursday.
The source requested anonymity since the organization has not yet made an official announcement. ESPN was first to report the Bucks’ progress toward securing Jenkins for the position.
Jenkins spent six seasons leading the Memphis Grizzlies from 2019 through 2025, compiling a 250-214 coaching record that featured three consecutive postseason appearances between 2021 and 2023. Despite Memphis being playoff-bound, the organization dismissed him with nine contests remaining in the 2024-25 campaign, and the team subsequently suffered a first-round sweep by Oklahoma City, who went on to claim the championship.
The hiring would mark Jenkins’ second tenure in Milwaukee, where he previously served as an assistant under Mike Budenholzer during the 2018-19 campaign. That season saw the Bucks achieve the league’s top record at 60-22 before surrendering a 2-0 advantage in the Eastern Conference finals to Toronto, who captured the title that year.
Jenkins will inherit a Bucks franchise facing a pivotal offseason after posting a disappointing 32-50 record this past season, snapping their nine-year consecutive playoff streak.
The organization announced Rivers’ coaching departure on April 13, one day following their season’s conclusion. The 64-year-old Rivers had indicated during the campaign’s final weeks his desire to dedicate more time to his grandchildren.
Rivers concluded his Milwaukee tenure with a 97-103 record across 2½ seasons. His overall coaching career spans 1,194 victories against 866 defeats, placing him sixth among all-time NBA coaching wins.
Milwaukee’s primary offseason focus centers on the future of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has played his complete 13-year NBA career with the franchise.
The 31-year-old Antetokounmpo can enter free agency following next season unless he agrees to a four-year, $275 million extension in October. Alternatively, Milwaukee could explore trading him if they doubt his willingness to sign the extension.
When questioned about signing an extension after the team’s final game, Antetokounmpo responded: “It’s something I have to sit down with my family and see what’s best for me, what’s best for my family.”
By season’s end, tension had developed between Antetokounmpo and the organization regarding the nine-time All-NBA forward’s health situation. Antetokounmpo appeared in just 36 games this season, a career low.
Late in the season, Antetokounmpo expressed his readiness and desire to compete, while team officials kept him sidelined due to a left knee hyperextension and bone bruise. The NBA launched an investigation into the circumstances.
Jenkins previously collaborated with Antetokounmpo during his initial Milwaukee stint. He had served on Budenholzer’s coaching staff in both Atlanta and Milwaukee before Memphis recruited him in 2019, coinciding with their selection of Ja Morant as the second overall draft pick.
Under Jenkins’ leadership, Memphis advanced to the playoff’s second round in 2022 and suffered first-round eliminations in 2021 and 2023. His 250 career victories with the Grizzlies represent the franchise’s all-time record for coaching wins.
