The Memphis Grizzlies are expected to give multiple assistant coaches consideration for its vacant head coaching job, league sources tell Ken Berger of CBS Sports:
The other shoe dropped Thursday, when the Indiana Pacers fired Frank Vogel — who immediately became the Grizzlies No. 1 option to replace Joerger. Several top assistants, including Nate Tibbets (Portland), David Fizdale (Miami) and Nick Nurse (Toronto) are expected to get a look, league sources said. But all indications are Vogel is the target.
The Grizzlies fired head coach Dave Joerger Saturday morning and will now seek their third head coach since 2009.
David Fizdale, associate head coach of the Miami Heat, has been with the franchise since 2008. Fizdale helped guide the Heat to four straight Finals appearances and two NBA Championships in 2012 and 2013. Fizdale also served as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors from 2003-2004 and Atlanta Hawks from 2004-2008.
Nick Nurse, assistant coach of the Toronto Raptors, has mainly served as an NBA D-League coach for the bulk of his career. Following his recent stint with the Iowa Energy from 2011-2013, Nurse was hired by the Raptors and has been with the organization for three seasons. Toronto’s made the Playoffs in each of his three seasons spent with the team and is currently locked into a battle with the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The final potential candidate listed, Nate Tibbets, has served as an assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers since 2013. Tibbets has helped guide the Blazers to multiple Playoff appearances in his run, including this season’s shocking postseason run that saw the elimination of the injury-struck Los Angeles Clippers.
As previously reported, the Grizzlies have also expressed serious interest in ex-Pacers coach Frank Vogel. Ken Berger noted how the Grizzlies’ main focus now was Vogel, but the situation regarding these assistant coaches should also be monitored going forward. Each of these potential candidates certainly deserves a look for a head coaching job in the future.
