The Memphis Grizzlies are adding championship experience to their bench by hiring Ryan Saunders as the lead assistant coach under new head coach Tuomas Iisalo, according to a report from Drew Hill. This move comes as Memphis looks to strengthen its coaching staff ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season.
Saunders, who won an NBA title as an assistant with the Denver Nuggets in 2023, brings valuable playoff and head coaching experience to the Grizzlies. He previously served as the Minnesota Timberwolves’ head coach from 2019 to 2021 after holding assistant positions in Washington, Minnesota, and Denver.
The 39-year-old began his NBA coaching career with the Wizards in 2009 and spent five seasons there before joining the Timberwolves. During his tenure in Minnesota, he was promoted from assistant to interim and then to full-time head coach.
After parting ways with the Timberwolves, Saunders joined Michael Malone’s staff in Denver, where he contributed to the team’s championship run and developed a reputation as a strong player-development coach.
His hiring comes just months after Memphis dismissed Taylor Jenkins in March despite a winning record and a playoff berth secured through the play-in tournament. The Grizzlies were eliminated in the first round of the 2025 playoffs by the Oklahoma City Thunder in a four-game sweep.
By adding Saunders, the Grizzlies are surrounding Iisalo, who was hired in May, with seasoned NBA knowledge and postseason experience as they aim to rebound from last year’s disappointing finish.
