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The Grizzlies have officially offered their vacant head coaching post to David Fizdale, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reports (on Twitter). The two sides are currently negotiating contract details with an agreement likely to be reached shortly, Wojnarowski adds.
Fizdale, who turns 42 next month, has been a part of the Heat’s coaching staff since 2008, with the club earning two NBA Championship teams during his tenure. Fizdale previously served as an assistant coach for the Warriors (2003/04) and the Hawks (2004-2008).
The Heat assistant is one of several candidates who have reportedly spoken to the Grizzlies, with Spurs assistants James Borrego and Ettore Messina, Hornets assistant Patrick Ewing, Grizzlies assistant Jeff Bzdelik and Trail Blazers assistant Nate Tibbetts also believed to have been under consideration. Fizdale is the only one of the candidates to score an interview with team owner Robert Pera, who was present during Fizdale’s second meeting with Memphis.
The Grizzlies have been seeking a replacement for former coach Dave Joerger, who was fired after requesting permission to interview for other coaching jobs. The Kings hired him last week, giving him a four-year deal worth $16MM.
Grizzlies didn’t want to spend too much on a head coach, went the first-timer route.
Congrats Coach Fizz… Like Spo back in 2008 he’s the best NBA coach now one’s ever heard of outside of Miami. This is great hire for the Grizz… if they treat him better than their last 2 coaches anyway.
He’s the best the NBA coach? That’s a joke right? I can name a few better. Kerr, Billy Donovan, Popovich and I’d even argue Luke Walton. But everyone else I named besides Walton is a better coach hands down.