Taylor Vetter Jenkins has had an unconventional path to becoming a head coach in the NBA, with his journey carrying the potential of inspiring many young basketball talents to take their next step toward possible success. Born in Arlington, Texas, Jenkins grew up playing Basketball and wanted to achieve admirable success in the sport.
Jenkins attended the St. Mark’s School of Texas located in Dallas and instantly became one the best athletes on his High School team, even serving as a two-time starter. After graduating high school, Jenkins attended the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and concentrated his focus on academics, earning a Bachelor’s in science (BSc) in Economics.
In 2007, Jenkins interned with the San Antonio Spurs during his junior summer and eventually got a job with the Spurs as a front-office executive. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that he communicated with the Spurs President at the time, R.C. Buford, and shifted to coaching.
In his five seasons with the Austin Toros (now the Austin Spurs), he served as assistant coach for four seasons before landing his first big break as head coach in his final year.
What is Taylor Jenkins Salary?
Though there is no clear information available on Jenkins's salary as Grizzlies head coach, multiple reports claim that his annual earnings are between $3 and $5 million.
Taylor Jenkins Contract
In June of 2019, Jenkins was brought in as a much-needed replacement for John Bickerstaff who coached only one full season for the Grizzlies.
Before Jenkins arrived in Memphis, the Grizzlies had been a struggling team for close to five years. They had missed the playoffs three years in a row and had their last fifty-plus-win season finish in 2015.
With Jenkins at the helm starting in 2019, the Grizzlies improved in offensive scoring, three points made, rebounds, and assists scored. Furthermore, the franchise qualified for its first Western Conference quarter-finals in three seasons in 2021, finished its 2021-22 regular season with a franchise record-tying 56 wins, and became division champs for the first time in league history in 2022.
In June 2022, Jenkins and the Grizzlies had agreed to a multi-year contract extension with the details surrounding the deal remaining undisclosed. The Grizzlies general manager Zachary Kleiman, called the extension “well-deserved” and expressed his respect for Jenkins and his hard work of elevating the team and its reputation.
Before becoming the Grizzlies head coach, Jenkins served six seasons as assistant coach for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks under Mike Budenholzer. Jenkins's time serving alongside Budenholzer elevated his coaching abilities and prepared him for his eventual journey as head coach.
FAQs
A. Jenkins stands 6 feet 3 inches tall.
A. Jenkins was born in Arlington, Texas in September 1984.
A. Jenkins attended the St. Mark’s School of Texas located in Dallas.
A. Jenkins debuted as head coach for the Austin Toros in the 2012-13 season.
