David Fizdale Reportedly Agrees to Become Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach

The Memphis Grizzlies fired head coach Dave Joerger on May 7 and have reportedly found their next bench leader.

Continue for updates.

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Fizdale Reportedly Hired by Grizzlies

Wednesday, May 26

Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale was offered the Grizzlies' head coaching position Wednesday, per Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. On Thursday, Wojnarowski, citing sources, reported that Fizdale reached a four-year agreement with the Grizzlies.

ESPN's Marc Stein reported Wednesday that a meeting with Grizzlies owner Robert Pera in San Jose, California, clinched the job for Fizdale.

On Tuesday, Stein reported Fizdale was "gaining serious momentum" as a candidate to land the Grizzlies' head coaching vacancy. Stein noted Fizdale had a strong first interview.

Marc J. Spears of ESPN's The Undefeated reported May 17 that Fizdale met with the team.

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Borrego Considered Top Candidate

Thursday, May 19

Stein reported that "rumbles in NBA coaching circles get louder" that San Antonio Spurs assistant coach James Borrego "has an inside track" for the Memphis opening. On Wednesday, Stein reported that Borrego had "gained steam of his own" in the Grizzlies' hunt after a strong interview.

Borrego met with the Grizzlies on May 15 regarding the head coaching vacancy, according to Wojnarowski.

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Bzdelik Interviews with Grizzlies 

Thursday, May 19 

Grizzlies assistant coach Jeff Bzdelik met with the team about the head coaching vacancy Wednesday, and he also met with the Houston Rockets regarding their opening Thursday, according to Spears.

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Grizzlies to Interview Tibbetts

Saturday, May 14

Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com reported the Grizzlies have received permission to interview Portland Trail Blazers assistant Nate Tibbetts.

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Grizzlies to Interview Messina

Saturday, May 14

Spears reported the Grizzlies were given permission to interview Spurs assistant coach Ettore Messina as well.

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Grizzlies Meet with Ewing

Friday, May 13

Charlotte Hornets associate head coach Patrick Ewing interviewed for the Grizzlies' head coaching job Thursday, per Ken Berger of CBS Sports.

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Grizzlies' List of Coaching Candidates Revealed

Sunday, May 8

The Grizzlies have begun seeking permission to speak with multiple candidates for their head coach vacancy, according to Wojnarowski, who identified former Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel as one of the names on the list.

The rest of the list features former Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek, Messina, Ewing, Tibbetts and Fizdale, per Wojnarowski.

Interviews will begin this week at the Chicago predraft camp, according to Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski first reported Saturday the Grizzlies are planning "to pay market value" for their next head coach and noted they have set their sights on Vogel.

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Grizzlies' Strong Roster Makes for Appealing Coaching Opportunity

Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace released a statement about the coaching change on the team's official site: "After careful consideration, I concluded that a change was needed to foster the strong culture required to achieve sustainable, long-term success for this organization, the city and our fans."

Spears provided further details about the decision:

It's no surprise there was more to the story because Joerger actually led the team to a lot of on-court success over the past three years. The Grizzlies went 147-99 (.598) during the regular season and qualified for the playoffs every year.

ESPN Stats & Info pointed out how well he ranks in team history:

A series of injuries, highlighted by the loss of Marc Gasol and Mike Conley, left the Grizzlies as no match for the San Antonio Spurs in this year's first round. They were swept in that series, and now the team has decided to move in a new direction.