The Houston Rockets and Indiana Pacers are among the potential suitors for ex-Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger, league sources told Ken Berger of CBS Sports:
Joerger immediately becomes a candidate for other openings, especially Houston and Indiana, league sources say.
— Ken Berger (@KBergCBS) May 7, 2016
Dave Joerger, the Grizzlies’ head coach for three seasons, was fired this morning by the franchise and is now being pursued by several teams.
After opting not to re-sign head coach Frank Vogel on Thursday, the Indiana Pacers are now seeking a replacement of their own. Several candidates have been listed for that job, as previously reported.
Along with Indiana, the Houston Rockets are hoping to fill their coaching vacancy in, as well. Houston ultimnately fired Kevin McHale in November after a five-year stint with the team, eventually promoting J.B. Bickerstaff to interim head coach. Recently, Bickerstaff withdrew from consideration for the Rockets’ permanent coaching job, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
With both Indiana and Houston in need of a new coach, it isn’t exactly surprising to hear Dave Joerger’s name emerge as a potential candidate. Joerger, 42, was hired as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2007 where he later served under head coach Lionel Hollins. When Hollins was fired in 2013, the Grizzlies later brought Dave Joerger on a four-year deal to become head coach. In three total seasons with the team as head coach, Dave Joerger guided the Grizzlies to a 147-99 (.598) record. The Grizzlies saw various success throughout his duration, making the Playoffs every season with Joerger leading ship.
After succumbing to numerous injuries throughout the year, Memphis ultimately lost in the first round to the San Antonio Spurs 4-0, leading to the final ending of Dave Joerger’s tenure with the Grizzlies.
As reported earlier, the Pacers and Rockets aren’t alone as possible suitors. The Sacramento Kings, who fired coach George Karl last month, have also expressed some interest.
The 2016 coaching carousel continues.
