New York Knicks coaching candidate Taylor Jenkins is looking for a swift return to work in the NBA.
Players and coaches have come to learn that life in the NBA can change in an instant. Just ask Tom Thibodeau, who was leading the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals one minute, and then fired the next.
Another to experience change was Taylor Jenkins. After being appointed by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019, he was fired days before the end of the 2024-25 regular season, despite the team being set for the playoffs.
Jenkins is now interviewing for the New York Knicks job, seeking to make an immediate return to coaching.
Tom Thibodeau gave Taylor Jenkins his backing
Right now Taylor Jenkins is seeking to land Tom Thibodeau’s old job. This highlights the pull of the New York Knicks, and the desirable situation Thibodeau created during his stint with the franchise, where he turned them from a laughing stock into contenders.
Just weeks ago, Thibodeau was sat on a press conference podium discussing Jenkins’ firing from his role with the Grizzlies.
Thibodeau paid tribute to Jenkins, commenting: “You hate that part of the business. It’s unfortunate because he’s not only a terrific coach, he’s a great guy, and it’s unfortunate.”
Unaware that he was set to suffer a similar fate weeks later, Thibodeau backed Jenkins to bounce back stronger.
“I’m sure he’ll do well. He has established himself as a great coach in this league. So, the future, better days will be ahead for him.”
Better days could be with the New York Knicks
Taylor Jenkins is one of two coaches being interviewed for the New York Knicks coaching job at present, along with former Sacramento Kings coach Mike Brown.
Both are credible candidates, who are seeking to get back into coaching, and take advantage of the strong Knicks roster and attempt to lead them to a title.
In Jenkins’ case, he would land with a superior, more well-rounded team than he had in Memphis, and importantly, in a weaker more wide-open Eastern Conference.
Thibodeau was right that ‘better days’ could be ahead for Jenkins. He just needs to win the approval of the Knicks front office.
