The Memphis Grizzlies decided to part ways with head coach Taylor Jenkins midway through the season. As they entered the offseason, their top priority became finding a new leader for the team.
That choice was made official on Friday.
Per ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Memphis has promoted interim coach Tuomas Iisalo to the permanent head coaching role.
“The Memphis Grizzlies are hiring interim Tuomas Iisalo as the franchise’s next head coach, sources tell ESPN,” Charania posted on X. “Iisalo replaced Taylor Jenkins as interim in late March and is now the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history.”
Iisalo closed out the season with a 4-5 record after stepping into the interim role.
Previously, Iisalo joined the team as an offensive assistant on July 8, 2024. He quickly earned the respect of the organization and seized his first NBA head coaching opportunity.
On April 6, 2024, while coaching Paris Basketball, he was named EuroCup Coach of the Year. His coaching career has been on a steady upward climb.
Now 42, Iisalo has the opportunity to build something meaningful in Memphis—and if successful, he could be the face of the franchise for years to come.