Grizzlies Make NBA History With Franchise’s New Head Coach
In a groundbreaking move that has sent ripples through the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies have appointed Tuomas Iisalo as their new head coach, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first Finnish-born head coach in league history.
A Sudden Shift in Leadership
The decision to promote Iisalo follows the unexpected dismissal of Taylor Jenkins on March 28, 2025. Despite leading the team to a commendable 44-29 record and holding the title of the winningest coach in franchise history with 250 victories, Jenkins was relieved of his duties just nine games before the end of the regular season.
The abrupt change reportedly caught players off guard. Star point guard Ja Morant, who had a close relationship with Jenkins, was particularly stunned by the news.
Iisalo’s Rise to the Helm
Tuomas Iisalo, 42, joined the Grizzlies as an assistant coach in July 2024, bringing with him a wealth of international coaching experience. Prior to his NBA tenure, Iisalo achieved significant success in Europe, notably leading Paris Basketball to a EuroCup championship in the 2023-24 season and earning the EuroCup Coach of the Year award.
After Jenkins’ departure, Iisalo stepped in as interim head coach, guiding the Grizzlies through the final stretch of the regular season. Under his leadership, the team secured a 48-34 record and clinched the final Western Conference playoff spot via the play-in tournament.
Playoff Performance and Future Outlook
Despite the strong finish to the regular season, the Grizzlies faced a formidable challenge in the playoffs, ultimately being swept by the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round.
Nevertheless, the organization’s confidence in Iisalo’s coaching abilities remained unwavering. On May 2, 2025, the Grizzlies officially named him as the head coach, removing the interim tag and solidifying his role at the helm.
A New Era for Memphis Basketball
General Manager Zach Kleiman expressed optimism about the team’s future under Iisalo’s guidance, praising his disciplined and tenacious coaching style. With key players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane under contract, the Grizzlies are poised to build upon their foundation and compete in the highly competitive Western Conference.
Iisalo’s appointment not only represents a significant milestone for the Grizzlies but also highlights the NBA’s growing international influence. As the first Finnish-born head coach in the league, his success could pave the way for more diverse coaching talent from around the globe.
Conclusion
The Memphis Grizzlies’ decision to appoint Tuomas Iisalo as head coach marks a historic moment in NBA history. As the team embarks on this new chapter, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Iisalo’s international experience and coaching philosophy translate to success on the NBA stage.
