Fired Grizzlies coach Joerger joins candidate list
The Rockets’ coaching search has another candidate. That will not, however, make their selection any easier or quicker.
Dave Joerger was dismissed by the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday and is expected to immediately join the list of coaches the Rockets will consider for their open position with a track record and a history with the Rockets that could make him especially attractive
The Rockets interviewed Joerger to be head coach in 2011 and to be Kevin McHale’s assistant after McHale landed the job. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey had admired Joerger’s work since he was a top NBA Development League coach before becoming an assistant to Lionel Hollins in Memphis.
But Joerger could quickly move toward a deal with the Sacramento Kings with the Rockets still working through their process, rather than rushing to compete with other teams to land a coach.
The Rockets have had conversations with the representative of former Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel, who was dismissed after going 250-181. Vogel, who along with Joerger interviewed for the Rockets’ coaching job in 2011, led Indiana to the playoffs in five of his six seasons.
The Rockets are scheduled to meet with former Phoenix Suns coach Jeff Hornacek this week before the start of the Chicago predraft camp and with Charlotte Hornets assistant. Stephen Silas later in the week.
While Joerger, who went 147-99 in three seasons with the Grizzlies and made the postseason each year, con- siders his options, Vogel could be a quick target to be his successor in Memphis.
Vogel worked with Memphis general manager Chris Wallace when both (along with Morey) were with the Boston Celtics. Vogel has had success coaching the playing style that still seems to best suit the Grizzlies roster. Vogel, who is from New Jersey and has spoken of admiration for New YOrk Knicks president Phil Jackson, also could be targeted by the Knicks.
Joerger, who had interviewed for the Minnesota Timberwolves position in 2014, was dismissed amid reports that he had asked to be permitted to talk to the Rockets and Kings.
“The decision was made because I believe you need a deeply committed leadership team in order to establish the strong culture needed for sustainable long-term success,” Wallace told the Grizzlies’ website. “I don’t want to get into specifics, but our goal now is to identify the best candidate for our organization.”
The Rockets have the same goal.
More than a week into the search, there remains no timetable, but more candidates and potentially more competition.