Joerger Will Likely Be Named Next Grizzlies’ Coach

UNDATED (AP) – The Memphis Grizzlies are negotiating with assistant Dave Joerger (YAY’-gehr) to become the teams head coach. A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the final deal hasn’t been reached yet.

This would be Joerger’s first NBA head coaching job. He had been an assistant the past six seasons with the Grizzlies under coach Marc Iavaroni (eye-vuh-ROH’-nee) and later Lionel Hollins, whose contract was not renewed earlier this month despite leading Memphis to a 56-26 record and a Western Conference finals appearance.

Keeping Joerger would help the Grizzlies maintain some continuity in the locker room with Marc Gasol (gah-SOHL’), Mike Conley and Zach Randolph.