Memphis Grizzlies general manager Zach Kleiman insisted the decision to relieve head coach Taylor Jenkins of his duties was "mine and mine only".

Jenkins was fired on Friday after six years in charge of the Grizzlies, following a run of four defeats in five games by an average margin of 16.8 points.

Nevertheless, the decision was a surprising one, with Memphis occupying fifth place in the Western Conference and the playoffs on the horizon.

Kleiman acknowledged Jenkins "leaves the team in a much better position than when he started", but would not divulge the reasoning behind his departure.

However, the Grizzlies' roster were not informed before the decision was made.

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"I came to the conclusion that this is in the best interest of the team, and urgency is a core principle of ours, so [I] decided to go on with the move," Kleiman said.

"The players were not consulted on this decision. This decision is mine and mine only. I, of course, gave this real thought and came to the conclusion that this is in the best interest of our team going forward."

Kleiman also gave his initial thoughts on Tuomas Iisalo, who was named as Jenkins' successor on an interim basis.

"[I am] looking forward to seeing what he is able to do with this group," he added. 

"There are realistic expectations. There's not going to be time to install a bunch of things this time of the year.

"My expectations are clarity of direction, and we'll see what we can do, we'll see what we can execute."