The Memphis Grizzlies have promoted assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo to interim head coach following the dismissal of Taylor Jenkins, despite the team's solid 44-29 record and impending playoff berth. Iisalo, a Finnish native, joined the Grizzlies' coaching staff in July 2024 after a successful European coaching career. He previously led Paris Basketball to the 2023-24 EuroCup championship and was honored as the EuroCup Coach of the Year.
Earlier, Iisalo guided Telekom Baskets Bonn to a FIBA Champions League title in 2023. In November 2024, he served as Memphis' acting head coach during Jenkins' absence, leading the team to a 131-114 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. As interim head coach, Iisalo is tasked with steering the Grizzlies through the final stretch of the regular season and into the playoffs.
Iisalo will coach the Grizzlies when they host the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, March 28th, at FedExForum at 7:00 p.m. The game will be carried live on 92.9 FM ESPN. Pregame begins on 92.9 FM ESPN at 6:30 p.m.
