NBA Rumors: Memphis Grizzlies May Take Cost-Conscious Approach in Choosing Next Head Coach

This week, many expected the Memphis Grizzlies to search for the best possible coach to replace Taylor Jenkins, who was unexpectedly fired last week. However, a new report suggests the team may opt for a more budget-friendly route when it comes to filling the head coach role.

The 2024-25 NBA season has seen some surprising developments. Teams like the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers, despite having high-priced rosters filled with star players, are underperforming and may miss the playoffs. The Dallas Mavericks’ trade of superstar Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers shocked the league and made headlines across the basketball world.

The latest surprise to rock the NBA came when the Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins just weeks before the playoffs. Despite a 44-30 record, the team isn’t poised for a championship run this year. However, they do have a genuine top 10 player in Ja Morant and strong supporting players like two-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr.

Becoming the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies is a role many would be eager to take on. Yet, it seems that the Grizzlies may not conduct an extensive search and could promote from within to save on costs.

Will Tuomas Iisalo Keep the Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Role After This Season?

In a new column analyzing the Grizzlies’ decision to part ways with Jenkins, The Athletic’s NBA insider Zach Harper raised the question, “Will interim coach Tuomas Iisalo be the long-term solution?” It appears that financial considerations will play a significant role in why Iisalo, the assistant hired last summer to help implement a new offense, could become the team’s permanent head coach.

“The signs point to it, but nothing is set in stone,” Harper wrote. “Memphis invested significantly in bringing Iisalo over from Paris to be an assistant. He’s highly regarded as an offensive mastermind in Europe, and this could be his big audition.”

Veteran coaches like Monty Williams, Frank Vogel, and highly sought-after assistants such as Sam Cassell and Micah Nori are expected to be available this summer. However, it seems unlikely that the Grizzlies will pursue them.