Grizzlies will introduce new coach David Fizdale on Tuesday.
New coach will be introduced to public Tuesday
Memphis won’t actually hear from David Fizdale until Tuesday when he is introduced to the city.
But the Grizzlies’ new head coach stressed Sunday afternoon that he’s ready for the challenge of continuing the franchise’s success in a statement on the team’s website.
Four days after The Commercial Appeal confirmed Fizdale accepted a four-year deal to replace Dave Joerger, the Griz officially announced the hire.
Fizdale’s deal includes a team option for the fourth year. This makes the 41-yearold former associate head coach for the Miami Heat a first-time NBA head coach.
“In my career, I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the greatest coaches and players in the NBA and am ready for this challenge,” said Fizdale, who spent the past 13 years as an assistant coach. “I am not only here to contribute to an organization that has built a history of winning, I am here to win it all and bring the wonderful people of Memphis their first championship parade down Beale Street.”
Griz general manager Wallace oversaw a coaching search that lasted 19 days. Wallace missed on hiring exIndiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel. After Vogel spurned the Griz to take the Orlando Magic job, Wallace mostly focused on veteran assistant coaches.
Fizdale earned a second interview and met with Griz owner Robert Pera.
“After a comprehensive search process, and talking with a number of very bright basketball minds, we focused in on David and we are confident that he is the right person for the job,” Wallace said. “David’s achievements throughout his career, his reputation as a strong tactician, his leadership with player development, and his ability to communicate and
build strong relationships with his players make him the clear choice to guide the Grizzlies on and off the court.”
Fizdale is a Los Angeles native who attended the University of San Diego, where he played from 1992-96 and graduated with a B.A. in communications and a minor in sociology. Fizdale averaged 8.5 points, 5.4 assists and 2.5 rebounds in 84 games.
He was selected to the All-West Coast Conference team after his senior season in 1996. Fizdale began his coaching career with a four-year stint (1998-2002) as an assistant coach at his alma mater.
His NBA coaching career started as an assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors for one season (2003-04).
Fizdale then spent four seasons (2004-08) as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks, where he played an instrumental role in the development of their young players.
Miami is where Fizdale spent the past eight seasons working alongside Erik Spoelstra.