SUNDAY, 2:06pm: The hiring is official, the Grizzlies announced today.
THURSDAY, 12:06pm: The Grizzlies and David Fizdale have reached an agreement on a contract that will make the Heat assistant the new head coach in Memphis, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical (Twitter link). According to Wojnarowski, it will be a four-year deal for Fizdale. Ronald Tillery of The Memphis Commercial Appeal adds (via Twitter) that the fourth year will be a team option.
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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 Grizzlies had 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, leaving Memphis to scour the market for a new head coach.
In addition to Fizdale, the Grizzlies considered several other candidates for their head coaching vacancy, including Spurs assistants James Borrego and Ettore Messina, Hornets assistant Patrick Ewing, Grizzlies assistant Jeff Bzdelik and Trail Blazers assistant Nate Tibbetts.
The club also conducted at least one interview with Frank Vogel, who spoke to team owner Robert Pera, before he accepted the head coaching job in Orlando. Outside of Vogel, Fizdale is believed to be the only candidate who had an interview with Pera in attendance.
Wojnarowski first reported on Wednesday that Memphis had offered its head coaching position to Fizdale.
The Rockets are now the NBA’s only head team whose head coaching search is ongoing.
Good hire for them I think. Is Rockets the only team looking for a coach still?
Rockets it has been said Hired Mike D’Antoni but have NOT MADE it official. Don’t know if waiting for him to fully get a staff together or what.
Or for the fall out to settle down with fact D’Antoni was choice for Rockets over someone else.
Still don’t think they should have fired Joeger. Before, Collins. Can’t expect to continually change coaches and styles and improve your standing in the NBA.