Wizards Weigh Coaching Options for Next Season

Team unsure if current head coach Brian Keefe will return as they eye potential replacements.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:03pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented basketball game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks teams and players.The Wizards' coaching search is a complex puzzle, with multiple candidates and team interests intersecting as the franchise seeks to unlock its young talent and return to the playoffs.Oklahoma City Today

The Washington Wizards are facing an important decision this offseason regarding their head coaching position. After a disappointing 2025-26 season with fewer than 20 wins, the team is evaluating whether to retain current head coach Brian Keefe or pursue a change, with former Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins emerging as a potential target.

Why it matters

The Wizards are at a crossroads, needing to determine if Keefe is the right long-term fit to develop their young core and lead the team to the playoffs, or if a new voice is required. The decision could have major implications for the franchise's future direction.

The details

Keefe has done a solid job developing young talents like Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, but the team still needs those players to take the next step and become All-Star-caliber. The Wizards have also added veteran stars Anthony Davis and Trae Young, but Davis' long-term future with the team is uncertain. Next season is seen as a crucial year where the Wizards must make the playoffs, or else a regime change could be on the table.

  • The 2025-26 season was a disappointing one for the Wizards, with fewer than 20 wins.
  • Reports indicate the Wizards may pursue former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins as a potential replacement for Keefe.

The players

Brian Keefe

The current head coach of the Washington Wizards, known for his ability to develop young talent.

Taylor Jenkins

The former head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, who is emerging as a potential target for the Wizards' head coaching job.

Alex Sarr

A young player for the Wizards who has shown improvement under Keefe's coaching.

Kyshawn George

Another young Wizards player who has taken steps forward in his development under Keefe.

Anthony Davis

A veteran star player who the Wizards have added, but his long-term future with the team is uncertain.

Trae Young

Another veteran star player who the Wizards have added to their roster.

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What they’re saying

“The front office knows this, as reports from Jake Fischer of The Stein Line indicate they may pursue former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins.”

— Jake Fischer, Reporter

What’s next

Keefe will be given one final season as head coach. If the team fails to make the playoffs, the Wizards will likely move on and pursue a new head coach, with Jenkins emerging as a potential target.

The takeaway

The Wizards are at a critical juncture, needing to determine if Keefe is the right long-term fit to lead the team's young core to the playoffs, or if a change is necessary to take the next step as an organization.