Memphis, TN – The Memphis Grizzlies made it official on Thursday and named David Joerger their new head coach.
Terms of the deal for the long-time Grizzlies assistant were not disclosed.
Joerger had been an assistant with the Grizzlies for the past six seasons, including the last two as the lead assistant for Lionel Hollins.
"We are thrilled to announce we have hired David Joerger as the next head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies," said CEO & managing partner Jason Levien in a statement Thursday. "Not only do we think Dave will continue to grow the team's league-best defensive identity, but we believe we have one of the league's budding coaching talents to lead our team."
Hollins was not retained despite a banner season for the Grizzlies, who won a franchise-record 56 games in 2012-13 and reached the Western Conference finals for the first time in club history.
Joerger's influence on the defensive side of the ball was a main reason for Memphis' success this season.
The Grizzlies surrendered a league-low 89.3 points per game and had three starters among the NBA's All-Defensive Teams. Tony Allen was a first-team member, while Mike Conley and the league's Defensive Player of the Year, Marc Gasol, were selected for the second team.
Before joining the Grizzlies, Joerger was a top minor league coach, amassing a record of 232-117. He led the Dakota Wizards to four titles -- one in the International Basketball Association, two in the Continental Basketball Association and one in the NBA Development League. He also guided Sioux Falls to a CBA crown.
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