The Memphis Grizzlies have hired Tuomas Iisalo as the franchise's next head coach, the team announced Friday.
"I have full confidence in Tuomas serving as head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies going forward," general manager Zach Kleiman said in a statement. "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 replaced Taylor Jenkins as the team's interim coach in late March. He helped the Grizzlies reach the playoffs through the play-in tournament before they were swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Following their 48-34 regular-season finish, Iisalo will look to build around a core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. as he takes control of a team that has made the playoffs four of the past five years.
Following a 14-year professional career as a player in Finland, Iisalo turned to coaching. He won the EuroCup and EuroCup Coach of the Year honors in 2024 while leading Paris Basketball before joining the Grizzlies staff.
Iisalo is now the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history.
