Grizzlies’ Next Head Coach Revealed — The Surprising Choice That Could Change Everything

So, the Memphis Grizzlies just made NBA history, and no—it’s not another flashy draft pick or blockbuster trade. Tuomas Iisalo, the first-ever Finland-born head coach in the league, is stepping into the spotlight, and honestly, it’s a move that’s as intriguing as it is bold. You ever wonder what it takes to turn a team around when you’re parachuted in mid-season and then handed the keys for good? Iisalo faced that challenge head-on after Taylor Jenkins’ departure, navigating the choppy waters of a playoff sweep by the Thunder but earning enough trust to stick around. What’s fascinating here is how this former European tactician—who climbed the ranks from Finland’s courts to Germany and Paris—brings a fresh, cerebral vibe to Memphis. With a full offseason ahead, the real question is: can Iisalo’s intricate, offense-first blueprint change the Grizzlies’ trajectory, or will this Finnish experiment prove to be just a summer fling? Either way, it’s a story worth watching… and one that might just rewrite what it means to coach in this league.

Tuomas Iisalo has his place in NBA lore after the Memphis Grizzlies made him the first Finland-born head coach in league history.

General manager Zach Kleiman confirmed the permanent appointment after Iisalo guided the Grizzlies through the final stretch of the season following Taylor Jenkins’ dismissal.

Despite being swept by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs, Iisalo demonstrated leadership qualities that convinced the front office he deserved the position.

“The Memphis Grizzlies are hiring Tuomas Iisalo as the franchise’s next head coach, per Shams Charania.” Yahoo Sports wrote on X.

BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies are hiring Tuomas Iisalo as the franchise's next head coach, per @ShamsCharania.

Iisalo replaced Taylor Jenkins as interim in late March and is now the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history. pic.twitter.com/BBCDXb9qtY

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) May 2, 2025

Iisalo joined the Grizzlies as lead assistant before the season, bringing his tactical acumen from a successful European coaching career.

His offensive schemes made an immediate impact, earning respect from players both as an assistant and after taking over.

His coaching journey began in Finland with Tapiolan Honka before building an impressive resume in Germany.

From 2016 to 2021, he led Crailsheim Merlins before taking charge at Telekom Baskets Bonn, setting new benchmarks at both organizations.

His most recent European success came with Paris Basketball, where he guided the club to its inaugural EuroLeague appearance, earning EuroCup Coach of the Year along the way.

With a complete offseason ahead, Iisalo has the opportunity to fully implement his system after what proved to be a challenging season for the Grizzlies.

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