The Memphis Grizzlies are allowing head coach Lionel Hollins to speak with other teams and may already have their eye on a replacement for Hollins. Sam Amick of USA TODAY Sports reports that the Grizzlies could look to promote from within and hire current assistant coach Dave Joerger to replace Hollins:
Grizzlies looking at assistant coach Dave Joerger to replace Lionel Hollins, according to report
While the Grizzlies allows Lionel Hollins to speak with other teams, they may already have a replacement in mind.
Spruce Derden-US PRESSWIRE
The Grizzlies are eyeing Memphis assistant Dave Joerger as a possible replacement for Hollins and are confident that he could help retain the “Grit and Grind” culture that has become such a fabric of the team and the town. Grizzlies management is expected to meet soon with Joerger to discuss the situation while Hollins tests his market value.
According to NBA.com, Joerger became one of only six total head coaches in development league history to be promoted to an NBA coaching position when he joined the Grizzlies coaching staff in 2007.
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His previous coaching acclaims include one D-League championship with the Dakota Wizards, one International Basketball Association title and three Continental Basketball Association titles. From 2003-2007, 18 players under Joerger’s coaching were called up to the NBA.
Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported that the Grizzlies and Hollins have “major philosophical differences” that have stalled discussions between the two sides. Without a “major philosophical” change, the Grizzlies may already have the man for the job.
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