2013 NBA

Memphis, TN

The Memphis Grizzlies did not have to look far to find a replacement for Lionel Hollins, by promoting assistant coach Dave Joerger to head coach.

Joerger spent six seasons on the Grizzlies bench as assistant to Hollins, who parted ways with the team after he wasn't offered a new contract.

Hollins compiled a 196-155 record after taking over for Marc Iavaroni midway through the 2008-09 season.

The 39-year-old Joerger emerged as a favorite for the position after Grizzlies management granted Hollins permission to seek other coaching opportunities.

Before hiring Joerger, the Grizzlies formally interviewed former Phoenix Suns head coach Alvin Gentry and Chicago Bulls assistant Ed Pinckney for the post. The team also expressed interest in former Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl.

Before joining Memphis, Joerger coached in the International Basketball Association, the Continental Basketball Association and the D-League, where he won five titles in seven seasons as a head coach.

After winning 56 games in the regular season, the Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the playoffs and the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference semifinals.

However, the Grizzlies were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals.

The Grizzlies did not offer a contract to Hollins despite leading them to their best season in franchise history.

This after Hollins openly voiced his reservations when the Grizzlies' management group, under new owner Robert Pera, traded Rudy Gay to Toronto.

 

 

 

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Grizzlies Promote Assistant Dave Joerger as Head Coach