NBA Coaching Carousel: Pros, Cons, and Future Outlook for Open Positions

With just two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season, there are currently two vacant head coaching positions.

The Memphis Grizzlies recently dismissed their long-term coach, Taylor Jenkins. This decision mirrors a similar surprising dismissal in Sacramento a few months prior, where the Kings let go of Mike Brown amidst a series of losses in December.

The question arises: will more coaching positions become available in the coming weeks? Last season saw seven coaching changes, including three teams—Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns—that made changes even after reaching the playoffs.

Here`s an updated overview of the NBA coaching landscape, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each open position and speculating on potential candidates.

• 2024-25 Record: 44-31 (5th in the West)

• Previous Coach: Taylor Jenkins (dismissed March 28th; interim coach Tuomas Iisalo)

• Lead Executive: Zach Kleiman (appointed in 2019)

Positive Aspect: Promising Young Talent

Despite dealing with injuries throughout the season, the Grizzlies maintain a top-five position in the Western Conference standings and boast the league`s fifth-best net rating, only surpassed by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, and Houston Rockets.

With key players like Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis`s core group is entering their peak performance years, positioning the Grizzlies to compete for contention throughout the decade. Executive Zach Kleiman has demonstrated skill in identifying valuable players in later draft rounds and from undrafted pools, providing Memphis with substantial roster depth and versatility to support their star players.

According to an NBA executive, this team, under the right circumstances, could mirror the Cleveland Cavaliers` trajectory from last season before Kenny Atkinson`s arrival, which led to significant team improvement. This potential for a similar positive shift is what Kleiman and the Grizzlies organization believe is achievable.

Negative Aspects: Smaller Market, Recent Instability

Memphis is not considered a high-profile NBA market, and the team has experienced internal conflicts and uncertainty recently.

Last summer, the Grizzlies replaced almost all of Jenkins’ coaching staff, bringing in figures like Iisalo and Noah LaRoche. Subsequently, both Jenkins and LaRoche, who had hired several player development coaches, were dismissed.

Adding to this, the roster has faced numerous injuries and off-court issues involving Ja Morant. The team had effectively managed Morant`s absence through their strong depth and, until recently, Jenkins’ coaching strategies.

Potential Coaching Candidates?

Although currently serving in an interim role, Tuomas Iisalo is widely expected to be a strong contender for the permanent position. The Grizzlies recruited him from Europe in the previous offseason and integrated him into Jenkins` staff. He will now have the opportunity to prove his capabilities during the playoffs. If Iisalo is not selected, Memphis`s next steps remain uncertain.

• 2024-25 Record: 36-39 (10th in the West)

• Previous Coach: Mike Brown (dismissed in December; interim coach Doug Christie)

• Lead Executive: Monte McNair (appointed in 2020)

Positive Aspect: Experienced, Playoff-Ready Roster

While winning an NBA championship might be a distant goal for Sacramento currently, a coach inheriting a team with players such as Domantas Sabonis, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, Keegan Murray, and Malik Monk has a solid foundation for competitiveness in every game. This roster strength enhances the appeal of the Kings` coaching vacancy, especially compared to typical openings.

With these key players contracted for at least a couple more seasons, there is a window for team cohesion and growth, further increasing the attractiveness for prospective coaches.

Negative Aspects: Small Market, Long History of Instability

To understand the Sacramento Kings` coaching situation, consider this: since the team relocated to Sacramento in 1984, only two coaches have achieved a full season with a winning record. Rick Adelman accomplished this feat for eight consecutive seasons (1999-2006), and Mike Brown in the two seasons prior to his dismissal. The Kings have reached the playoffs in only three of the 33 seasons not coached by Adelman, highlighting the challenges of this position.

The recent departure of assistant general manager Wes Wilcox to become GM for the Utah Utes suggests possible further instability within the organization this offseason, and potentially more changes in the Kings` front office. Another disadvantage is the organization`s reluctance to enter luxury tax territory, a financial boundary set by owner Vivek Ranadive.

Potential Coaching Candidates?

Doug Christie has deep connections with the Kings, dating back to his role as a starting player on the successful teams of the early 2000s under Adelman. Christie has performed commendably since stepping in for Brown on an interim basis. While he is likely to be considered for the permanent role, owner Ranadive has historically favored high-profile coaching hires, such as George Karl, Dave Joerger, Luke Walton, and Brown, suggesting he might pursue a bigger name this summer.