The Memphis Grizzlies have officially named Tuomas Iisalo as the franchise’s new head coach, the team announced.
Iisalo, who stepped in as interim head coach in late March 2025, successfully led the Grizzlies to an unexpected playoff berth as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, solidifying his case to take the position full-time.
Grizzlies President and General Manager of Basketball Operations Zachary Z. Kleiman expressed full confidence in the hire, praising Iisalo’s coaching pedigree and the high standards he brings to the organization.
“I have full confidence in Tuomas serving as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies going forward,” Kleiman stated. “Tuomas’ teams at every level have been disciplined, tenacious and connected on both ends of the floor, consistently exceeding expectations. We look forward to the same in Memphis.”
Iisalo originally joined the Grizzlies on July 7, 2024, as the lead assistant coach after building a stellar résumé in European basketball.
His coaching prowess was most recently displayed during a dominant 2023–24 season with Paris Basketball, where he led the team to a 20-1 record and captured the EuroCup championship.
Iisalo’s offensive system broke records, and he was named the EuroCup Coach of the Year in what was only Paris’ second season in the competition.
Now officially at the helm in Memphis, Iisalo brings with him a reputation for tactical precision, player development, and a team-first mentality that aligns with the Grizzlies’ organizational values.
Grizzlies Retain Tuomas Iisalo As Head Coach https://t.co/aye08c2xst
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 2, 2025
