Tuomas Iisalo appointed head coach of Memphis Grizzlies

The long-time Bundesliga coach Tuomas Iisalo has been promoted to head coach of the NBA team Memphis Grizzlies, as announced by the basketball franchise. The 42-year-old Finn was serving as an assistant coach in Memphis since the start of the season and took over as interim head coach in late March after the unexpected dismissal of head coach Taylor Jenkins. Under Iisalo’s leadership, Memphis was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder, losing 0-4.

Success in Germany

Iisalo achieved significant success in Germany while coaching the Telekom Baskets Bonn from 2021 to 2023. In his final season, he led Bonn to win the Champions League, marking the club’s first international title in its history. Additionally, Bonn reached the Bundesliga finals but lost to ratiopharm Ulm. Prior to his tenure in Bonn, Iisalo guided the Crailsheim Merlins to Bundesliga promotion in 2018.

Achievements in France

In 2023, Iisalo moved to the ambitious French project Paris Basketball, where he immediately won the EuroCup. His team reached the playoff finals in the league against AS Monaco but fell short of securing the championship title. This successful stint led him to his current position in Memphis.

Confidence in Leadership

“I have full confidence in Tuomas as the future head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies,” said Zachary Z. Kleiman, President and General Manager of Basketball Operations for the Grizzlies. “Tuomas’ teams have been disciplined, resilient, and worked well on both ends of the court, consistently exceeding expectations. We look forward to seeing this continue in Memphis.”