Dave Joerger has decided to stay in Memphis and forgo the opportunity with the Wolves, tweets Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.com. Joerger, the Grizzlies, and the Wolves have been trying all weekend to settle their differences (link), but it sounds like they were unable to come an agreement on a compensation package.
It’s a surprising twist since the ouster of CEO Jason Levien and assistant GM Stu Lash seemed to signal a complete overhaul of the club’s front office operations and coaching staff. Joerger met with Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor for over two hours on Saturday and was said to be the frontrunner for the position. Team president Flip Saunders has a history with Joerger and saw a lot of himself in the young coach.
The Grizzlies seemed poised to go after another big name coach – possibly the Bulls’ Tom Thibodeau or former coach Lionel Hollins – but it sounds like they’ll be keeping things status quo instead. With Joerger out of the running for the Wolves’ gig, Minnesota may turn their attention to fellow candidate and owner Glen Taylor favorite Sam Mitchell.