Full Breakdown
Milwaukee Bucks Assemble New Coaching Staff Under Head Coach Taylor Jenkins
5/24/2026, 1:09:34 PM
Cultural Reset Through Staff Overhaul
Milwaukee announced head coach Taylor Jenkins will be assisted by specialist Joe Boylan, Darvin Ham, and Patrick St. Andrews. The trio replaces several assistants from the Doc Rivers era and is meant to “reestablish the culture, leaning on the past to project them into the future.”
Background of the Three Hires
Boylan has a decade of work with the Celtics, Warriors, Pelicans, Timberwolves and the Memphis Grizzlies. Ham returns after a Lakers head-coach stint that yielded a 90-74 record and a 2023 Western Conference Finals berth. St. Andrews spent five Bucks seasons during the 2021 title run, later worked for the Portland Trail Blazers before rejoining Jenkins.
Timeline of Appointments
May 23 2026: The Athletic said Ham, St. Andrews and Boylan will join Jenkins for the 2026-27 season. Summer 2024: Jenkins introduced St. Andrews at training camp, saying he would “oversee the defense.” Early 2025: Boylan’s hiring was announced ahead of the draft.
Coaching Experience and Draft Position
Jenkins posted a 250-214 record in six Memphis seasons. Ham’s Lakers stint produced a 90-74 record and a 2023 conference-finals berth. The Bucks missed the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Milwaukee holds the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and has young players Ryan Rollins and Ousmane Dieng.
Why the Staff Matters
Boylan’s “constraints-led” model forces players to solve problems in varied settings, a shift from the repetition-heavy Rivers era. Ham adds continuity and playoff experience; St. Andrews focuses on defense. Together they aim to develop the young core.
Official Statements
The Bucks said the hires of Boylan, Ham and St. Andrews are meant to “reestablish the team’s culture and prioritize player development” as the draft window approaches. No comment from GM Jon Horst or Giannis Antetokounmpo was reported.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note uncertainty for assistants like Rajon Rondo and warn Ham’s recent New Orleans head-coach candidacy could trigger further turnover. The younger coaching focus raises questions about older staff futures.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on timing: some place the hires in the 2024-25 training-camp window, others cite preparation for the 2026-27 season. No comment from Giannis Antetokounmpo or Jon Horst on the staff exists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “St. Andrews was one of Tiago Splitter’s most important assistants this year and was responsible for managing rotations and minutes restrictions when half the team was coming back from injury.” — Sean Highkin, Blazers insider
- “Andrews would “over see the defense”.” — Taylor Jenkins, Bucks head coach
- “co/iCDPH2I6mM — Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) May 23, 2026 The additions are headlined by Darvin Ham, the former NBA coach who led the Lakers to the Western Conference Finals in 2023.” — Eric Nehm, The Athletic reporter
- “Darvin Ham is reportedly staying with the Milwaukee Bucks following the departure of former head coach Doc Rivers.” — The Athletic (Eric Nehm & Sam Amick)
What’s Next
Milwaukee will evaluate its 10th-overall draft pick, explore free-agency targets, and await Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract decision. The new staff’s ability to integrate incoming talent will shape the Bucks’ trajectory through the 2026-27 season.
