NBA Coaching Carousel 2025: Analyzing the Most Appealing Vacancies for Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings

Breaking Down the NBA's Coaching Landscape

With two weeks remaining in the NBA regular season, two prominent franchises find themselves in search of new leadership. The Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings have joined the annual coaching carousel, creating intriguing opportunities in the league's competitive landscape.

Memphis Grizzlies: A Team on the Brink

• Current Record: 44-31 (5th in Western Conference)
• Previous Coach: Taylor Jenkins (fired after six seasons)
• Interim Coach: Tuomas Iisalo
• Management: Zach Kleiman, Executive since 2019

The Bright Side:

• Despite injury setbacks, Memphis maintains a strong position with the league's 5th best net rating
• Young core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. entering their primes
• Front office has demonstrated ability to find hidden gems in the draft
• Playoff-ready roster with championship potential this decade

Challenges:

• Small market limitations for attracting top talent
• Recent instability in coaching staff and front office
• Morant's recurring off-court issues create additional variables
• Need to rebuild coaching infrastructure after recent dismissals

Potential Candidates:

1. Tuomas Iisalo (current interim, European coaching experience)
2. Kenny Atkinson (considered for similar rebuild projects)
3. Becky Hammon (potential first female NBA head coach)
4. Sam Cassell (longtime assistant ready for head job)

Sacramento Kings: Searching for Stability

• Current Record: 36-39 (10th in Western Conference)
• Previous Coach: Mike Brown (fired December 2024)
• Interim Coach: Doug Christie
• Management: Monte McNair, Executive since 2020

Competitive Advantages:

• Veteran core featuring Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan
• Young talent in Keegan Murray showing promise
• Multiple season runway with current roster contracts
• Improved roster construction compared to previous decades

Organization Challenges:

• Historic franchise instability since 1984 move to Sacramento
• Ownership's reluctance to enter luxury tax territory
• Recent front office departures creating uncertainty
• Intense Western Conference competition

Top Candidates:

1. Doug Christie (fan favorite with team history)
2. Mark Jackson (experienced coach seeking return)
3. Jordi Fernandez (rising assistant coach candidate)
4. Steve Clifford (veteran coach for stabilization)

The Bigger Picture: What Makes These Jobs Appealing?

While both positions present challenges, they each offer unique selling points. The Grizzlies provide a ready-made contender with superstar talent, while the Kings offer the chance to be the coach who finally brings sustained success to Sacramento.

Key Factors Coaches Will Consider:

• Existing roster talent and championship timeline
• Front office stability and support
• Ownership commitment to winning
• Market size and accompanying pressures
• Salary cap flexibility for roster improvements

As the regular season concludes and playoffs begin, expect these searches to intensify. Both franchises will likely want new leadership in place before the critical offseason period begins.