Billy Donovan didn't want to wait around in Chicago during a rebuild, and it's hard to blame him. At 60 years old and with the level of respect he has all around the basketball world, he will quickly find a new gig, whether it be in the pros or back in college ball.
Thus, the search for a new leader begins in Chicago. They're not short on veteran choices; but Taylor Jenkins brings a promising mix of proven success and young energy at just 41 years old. As coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, he led the team from rebuild (they won 34 games in his first season) to winner (back-to-back 50-win seasons in years three and four). He was fired in a pretty stunning move by the front office, and now things have completely caved in the Grizzlies' franchise.
In other words, he'd be the perfect guy to lead Chicago as the team turns its attention toward the future. But the biggest roadblock in hiring Jenkins may be that the Milwaukee Bucks are already their due diligence on Jenkins after parting ways with Doc Rivers. It's not a surprise, as Jenkins gained respect around the league during his tenure with the Grizzlies. But if the Bulls are looking for an experienced but young coach who has been in a similar situation as the Bulls could be in 2026-27, Jenkins might be the only guy who fits all the boxes.
Bucks have already met with Taylor Jenkins
There is going to be some chaos on the coaching market this summer, and the Milwaukee Bucks are trying to get ahead of the curve by looking for their Rivers replacement early. Unfortunately for any Bulls fans who like Jenkins, it sounds like the Bucks have the same thought, as they have already reportedly met with the former Grizzlies coach, according to Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
No one should panic if Jenkins gets scooped up early as there are plenty of capable coaches (and always a cache of promising assistants) who the Bulls could pursue instead.
As of now, there isn't much news connecting the team to Jenkins — it makes a lot of sense in the brain of this blogger, but that doesn't mean it's bound to happen. If the Bucks do make him their main target, the Bulls might not actually get a chance at him. But if Jenkins decides to wait things out and field offers (of which he would have plenty) this summer, the Bulls should absolutely shoot their shot. No pun intended. Because of basketball.
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