The Memphis Grizzlies announced Dave Joerger as the team’s new head coach Thursday according, according to the Associated Press.
Joerger served under former head coach Lionel Hollins as the Grizzlies lead assistant for the previous two seasons. The organization let Hollins go at the end of the 2012-2013 season after he led the team to the best regular season record in franchise history at 56-26.
Joerger has been a part of the organization for six seasons. Last season he helped run a defense which held opponents to 89.3 points per game—the lowest average in the league.
"I am ready for this opportunity," he said during a press conference. "I have won in the past. I know how to win. We're going to win."
The 2012-2013 season was a successful one for the Grizzlies. In addition to their great regular season record they also made it to the Western Conference Finals. There, they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs.
Usually after a season of success the coach is given an extension or at the least allowed to keep his job. However, there were issues between Hollins and the Grizzilies new ownership group. The group, led by Robert Pera, began its reign this season.
Due to the disagreements between Hollins and the ownership his contract was not renewed. Since taking over the Grizzlies in January 2009, he went 196-155.
The Memphis-based Commercial Appeal newspaper says Joerger’s contract is a deal for four years starting at $1.5 million. However, the terms of his contract have not been officially released.
"This is a blue-collar town, and I'm a blue-collar guy," said Joerger. "I came up the hard way. I came up through the minor leagues."
By 'minor leagues' Joerger is referring to his two Continental Basketball Association titles with the Dakota Wizards, another CBA championship as head coach of the 2005 Sioux Skyforce and a NBA Developmental League title with the Dakota Wizards after their transfer to from the CBA.
