Taylor Jenkins Returns to Milwaukee as Bucks Look to Rebuild Around Giannis

Taylor Jenkins named Bucks head coach following 32-50 season

The Milwaukee Bucks hired Taylor Jenkins as head coach Thursday after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2016, ending Doc Rivers’ three-year tenure.

Former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins takes over in Milwaukee, tasked with getting the Bucks back to the playoffs and keeping Giannis in town...

The Milwaukee Bucks announced Thursday they have hired Taylor Jenkins as head coach, following their first missed playoff appearance since 2016.  

The 41-year-old American was an assistant on Mike Budenholzer’s Bucks staff in 2018-19. He then spent the last six seasons as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies.  

Jenkins takes over from Doc Rivers, who stepped down earlier this month after three years in Milwaukee. The Bucks finished 32-50 in Rivers’ final season.  

Under Rivers, Milwaukee lost in the first round of the playoffs twice before missing the postseason entirely this year.  

It marks the first time in nine seasons that the Bucks won’t be in the playoffs.

“Taylor's attention to detail, toughness and communication skills make it clear that he knows how to cultivate a winning culture,” Bucks owners Wes Edens, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, and Jamie Dinan said in a statement.

A familiar face returns to lead us forward.

Welcome back to Milwaukee, Taylor Jenkins! pic.twitter.com/IpQZPQlOJv

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 30, 2026

“We are excited to work together toward our collective goal of sustained success and winning championships.”

Milwaukee last won the NBA title in 2021, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the team to the championship and earning Finals MVP honors.

Hiring Jenkins appears to be part of the Bucks’ effort to persuade the Greek-Nigerian star to stay with the franchise.

Antetokounmpo dealt with injuries this season, was mentioned in trade rumors around midseason, and later said publicly that the team had prevented him from playing.