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2d ago

Memphis Grizzlies Name Tuomas Iisalo as Head Coach

Iisalo becomes the NBA’s first Finnish-born head coach after guiding Memphis to a playoff berth during his interim tenure.

Memphis Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo yells to his players during the first half in Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 24: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies handles the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Three of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on April 24, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.
Apr 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo reacts during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game four for the first round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images/File Photo

Overview

  • Tuomas Iisalo has been officially named head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies following a late-season interim stint.
  • Iisalo replaced Taylor Jenkins in March after a 0-5 road trip and an 8-12 post-All-Star record led to Jenkins' dismissal.
  • Under Iisalo, Memphis secured a playoff spot via the play-in tournament but was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
  • Iisalo brings an international pedigree, having won the 2024 EuroCup championship and Coach of the Year honors with Paris Basketball.
  • This appointment marks a historic milestone as Iisalo becomes the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history.