The Memphis Grizzlies have officially named Tuomas Iisalo (twa-mas EE-za-low) as their new head coach, replacing Taylor Jenkins who was fired earlier in the season. Iisalo had been serving as the team’s interim coach since late March. He is now the first Finnish-born coach in NBA history.
After leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs as interim coach, Iisalo was officially promoted to the permanent head coaching role. He previously served as the team’s lead assistant coach.
Iisalo has a successful coaching background in Europe, including winning the EuroCup championship and being named EuroCup Coach of the Year in his first season with Paris Basketball. He also won consecutive Bundesliga Coach of the Year awards in Germany.
