The NBA is always full of coaching surprises but the latest move by the Memphis Grizzlies qualifies as a special stunner. The team announced Friday afternoon that they have parted ways with Taylor Jenkins with just nine games remaining in the regular season.

“I’m genuinely appreciative of Taylor’s contributions to this team and city over the past six seasons,” said team president Zach Kleinman in a release. “This was a very difficult decision given the consistent and tangible development of our players and overall success under Taylor’s leadership. I wish Taylor the very best going forward.”

The Grizzlies had lost four of their last five games before the firing but still sat in the middle of the Western Conference playoff picture, holding a 44-29 record. That mark has them in a tie with the LA Lakers for the No. 4 seed in the West.

Jenkins started with Memphis as head coach during the 2019-20 season at age 35. He had surprise success early in his tenure, leading the Grizzlies to the Western Conference semifinals during the 2021-22 season. The Grizzlies had high expectations last year but were decimated by injuries during a 27-55 campaign and have bounced back this season to become a playoff team amid injuries.

The Celtics will be the second team that the Grizzlies face under their new head coach on Monday night as they close out their six-game road trip in Memphis. Boston fell to Memphis in Boston earlier this season, dropping a 127-121 contest on Dec. 7 at TD Garden.

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