Taylor Jenkins' shocking firing could be gift Spurs fans were hoping for

While the offseason has yet to begin, the quest to find the next leader of the Silver and Black if Coach Gregg Popovich retires has. There's no rush for Pop to make a decision, and if he wants to come back, he should. However, San Antonio can't afford to be caught off guard if the 75-year-old champion decides he's coached his last game.

With that being said, Taylor Jenkins has just become available after unexpectedly parting ways with the Memphis Grizzlies two weeks before the end of the season. There have been several names floated if the position became available, as it would be the most coveted position in the league. The chance to coach Victor Wembanyama would be extremely attractive.

Some of the names mentioned are Becky Hammon, Mike Budenholzer, Mitch Johnson, Mike Brown, Will Harding, and Sam Cassell, among others. Jenkins would shoot to the top of the list with Becky Hammon as his biggest competition.

Jenkins was one of league's best coaches

This organization is poised for a return to greatness, but things will only progress in a positive direction if they continue to keep plans in place. Jenkins could help them with that. The Grizzlies hired the former Spurs G League coach in 2019, and he helped take their very young team to the playoffs year after year.

Ja Morant thrived, Jaren Jackson Jr. won Defensive Player of the Year, and they've been one of the league's most consistent defensive teams during his tenure.

Jenkins started his career as an intern for the San Antonio Spurs before earning the role of coach of the Austin Spurs. He's only 40 years old and has already had an impressive career in the NBA. His .539 winning percentage is the highest in Grizzlies history.

His fiery personality and focus on the defensive end is exactly what the Silver and Black would need to follow up an act as special as Coach Popovich. Not to mention, his work with JJJ means that he has experience with a talented center with special ability. Wembanyama is a different breed, of course, but the former Defensive Player of the Year out in Memphis is no slouch.

There has yet to be a full picture painted surrounding the reasons for this move, but unless he did something unconscionable, Jenkins should be high on the list for everyone who needs a head coach. Hopefully, his relationship with the organization gives San Antonio a leg up, similar to my hopes of the same for Becky Hammon. The Spurs would be in good hands with either option.