Grizzlies Hire Iisalo as Full-Time Head Coach

The Memphis Grizzlies have named Tuomas Iisalo their new head coach after he served as interim following the firing of Taylor Jenkins in late March 2025. Iisalo, the first Finnish-born NBA head coach, led Memphis to a 4-5 record in the final nine regular-season games and secured a playoff berth via the play-in tournament, though the team was swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. Known for his disciplined, fast-paced, and point-guard-centric coaching style, Iisalo brings a strong European résumé, including a EuroCup championship and Coach of the Year honors with Paris Basketball in 2024, and a FIBA Champions League title with Telekom Baskets Bonn. He began his coaching career in Finland after a 14-year professional playing career and has steadily advanced through the European ranks. Grizzlies GM Zach Kleiman praised Iisalo’s leadership and his ability to exceed expectations with disciplined teams. Iisalo will lead a roster featuring Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., as the team seeks to build on its recent playoff consistency.