The 2015-16 season did not go as planned for the Memphis Grizzlies and team owner Robert Pera has decided to make a change, firing head coach Dave Joerger on Saturday morning, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski. For the second time in three years, Joerger was reportedly asking for permission from the Grizzlies to interview for other open jobs around the NBA.
Dave Joerger has been fired by the Grizzlies, per report
The Memphis coach will be let go after an injury-plagued season.
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The decision reportedly came after ill will had built up between Joerger and management over the past few months, as Joerger’s wishes for more money starting fresh somewhere else became clear. After the two sides stopped being able to work together, through Joerger’s frequent criticism of the front office and his feelings that management didn’t respect his input with personnel decisions, the decision to let go of Joerger was reportedly clear for Memphis.
Frank Vogel is an early candidate expected to be in top consideration for the Memphis job, per Wojnarowski, as the Grizzlies quickly begin a new coaching search. Meanwhile, two teams where Joerger is expected to interview are the Rockets and the Kings.
Memphis was expected to contend for a top seed in the Western Conference this season. But the team got off to a disappointing 13-12 start, one which featured repeated blowout losses and weak efforts on the defensive end. Rumors began to swirl in early November that Joerger's job was in jeopardy. The Grizzlies slowly climbed back into the playoff rice by riding an improving defense and moving Zach Randolph to the bench. But after a 42-40 season they were swept away by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round.
Joerger, 41, has been at the helm for the Grizzlies since taking over for Lionel Hollins following the 2013 season, despite Hollins leading Memphis to the conference finals that year. Hollins' firing was reportedly the result of the Grizzlies' front office and Hollins clashing over the implementation of analytics. Joerger spent the previous six seasons as an assistant for the Grizzlies, and was reportedly more open to using advanced analytics than Hollins was.
Prior to being hired Memphis Joerger worked in the International Basketball Association, the Continental Basketball Association and the NBA’s Development League.
Joerger’s first two season in Memphis were successful. He led the team to 50 or more wins and the playoffs both years, though he only won one playoff series, last season, over the Blazers.
Joerger was almost fired by Pera just five games into his first season as Memphis' head coach, and after the 2013-14 season, when Pera abruptly fired CEO Jason Levien and assistant general manager Stu Lash. Reports at the time had Joerger linked to the then-vacant Minnesota Timberwolves job, but he and Pera were eventually able to reconcile.
See More:
