The Grizzlies have promoted team assisstant Dave Joerger to head coach, according to Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN.com (via Twitter). Joerger has long been considered to be the leading candidate for the job, despite several big names coming through Memphis in recent weeks.
George Karl, Ed Pinckney, and Alvin Gentry all interviewed with the Grizzlies as they looked to fill their vacancy. The Grizzlies parted ways with coach Lionel Hollins earlier this month after months of reported struggles between him and team management. The club's revamped front office, which includes stats guru John Hollinger, had a very different take on roster building than the 59-year-old.
Joerger was the early favorite to take the Memphis job, but he also had interest from the Sixers. Joerger shouldn't expect a Christmas card from Hollins, who has made comments that seem to hint at a behind-the-scenes rift between the two.