The Spurs are third in odds to hire former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs‘ head coaching spot might be in flux if Gregg Popovich retires before next season.
Currently, Mitch Johnson is serving as interim head coach and will likely be on any short list as Pop’s successor, but with Taylor Jenkins’ stunning firing from Memphis, does this alter the Spurs’ future coaching plans?
One oddsmaker is projecting where Jenkins might land next, and San Antonio is among the top teams.
Bovada says the Spurs are third to land the former Grizzlies head coach with +700 odds. This puts the team behind the 76ers (+400) and the Bulls (+500).
Jenkins (40 years old) would be a viable head coach, considering his success in Memphis and his ties to the Spurs.
He was an assistant coach with the then Austin Toros of the D League from 2008-12. He took over the Austin head coaching spot in 2012, guiding the team to the D League title.
In his six seasons with Memphis, he helped the team make the postseason three times and got them to the West Semifinals in 2022. He owns a .539 winning percentage (the highest in Memphis history,) leading them to three straight playoff appearances and two 50-win seasons. However, his playoff record is not stellar at 6-15.
Jenkins seems like a no-brainer with his Spurs ties, youth, defense-first approach, and ability at player development, including his work with NBA big men like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edy.
Also, the current state of the Spurs would be ideal for Jenkins, who would have a ready-made team with Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox as the core, with quality pieces surrounding them like Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell, and Jeremy Sochan.