Tuomas Iisalo Named Head Coach of Memphis Grizzlies After Impressive Late-Season Takeover

🏀 A Historic Appointment in Memphis

The Memphis Grizzlies officially announced Tuomas Iisalo as their new head coach, marking a milestone as he becomes the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history. This full-time appointment comes after a notable stint as interim head coach, solidifying his status within the franchise.

🚨 From Assistant to Leader

Iisalo initially joined the Grizzlies in July 2024 as the lead assistant coach, supporting Taylor Jenkins. His role dramatically shifted on March 28, 2025, following Jenkins’ surprising dismissal after a difficult 0–5 road trip that concluded in Oklahoma City. Jenkins, despite his record as the winningest coach in Grizzlies history, was let go due to the team's faltering momentum. This unexpected change thrust Iisalo into the spotlight, challenging him to immediately stabilize the team's performance.

📊 Immediate Impact Amid Challenges

Taking control with just nine regular-season games left, Iisalo navigated the team to a 4–5 record under considerable pressure. This quick turnaround was vital, securing the Grizzlies' spot as the eighth seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. Though the team's playoff run ended swiftly in a 4–0 sweep by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Iisalo’s brief tenure demonstrated strategic vision and a calm presence under intense pressure.

🧠 Leadership Under Adversity

The conditions under which Iisalo assumed leadership were far from ideal. With only two practices during his initial 15-game stretch, he faced an uphill battle. “We had 15 games and two practices, and I tried to do my best in those,” Iisalo candidly explained after the playoff exit. He emphasized the difficulty of making significant tactical changes in such a constrained timeframe, underscoring the complexity of transitioning leadership late in the season. Despite these limitations, the Grizzlies showed resilience and competitiveness, reflecting positively on Iisalo’s ability to quickly adapt and motivate the team.

🌍 Proven Track Record in European Basketball

Before arriving in Memphis, Tuomas Iisalo had already established himself as one of Europe's brightest basketball minds. His standout 2023–24 season with Paris Basketball showcased his strategic depth, leading the team to a remarkable 20–1 record and the EuroCup Championship—the first in the club’s history. His innovative offensive strategies earned him the prestigious EuroCup Coach of the Year award.

In the same season, Iisalo’s tactical expertise guided Paris Basketball to further success domestically, clinching the French Leaders Cup and advancing to the LNB Pro A Finals. His remarkable achievements resulted in him being named the 2024 LNB Pro A Coach of the Year and earning the honor of coaching Team World in the LNB All-Star Game. The club’s historic 25-game winning streak, unprecedented in French basketball, further solidified his impressive coaching resume.

Prior to his Paris tenure, Iisalo made a significant impact in Germany, coaching Telekom Baskets Bonn to the 2023 Basketball Champions League title and securing the 2023 Champions League Coach of the Year accolade. Additionally, his two consecutive Bundesliga Coach of the Year awards (2021–23) underscore a consistent track record of excellence. His previous five-season tenure with Crailsheim Merlins (2016–2021) highlighted his talent in player development and building cohesive teams.

🏀 From Professional Player to Elite Coach

Iisalo’s basketball journey began in Finland, where he played professionally for 14 seasons. Notably, he achieved domestic success by winning the Finnish Cup with Espoon Honka in 2009. His playing experience, combined with his extensive international exposure—57 caps with the Finnish national team—provided him with invaluable insights into the game, deeply influencing his coaching philosophy.

🙌 Player Support and Locker Room Confidence

A key factor in Iisalo’s permanent appointment was the visible support from within the Grizzlies’ locker room, particularly from franchise star Ja Morant. Morant expressed excitement over Iisalo’s coaching style, highlighting their shared vision and productive film sessions. “I feel like Tuomas is a good coach,” Morant stated during postseason interviews. Such endorsements from players reinforce the organization's decision, emphasizing a strong mutual respect and shared basketball perspective between coach and athletes.

🏙️ Reflecting Memphis Culture

In addition to his tactical acumen, Iisalo stressed the importance of aligning the team with the city’s identity. Memphis is renowned for its hardworking ethos, and Iisalo has explicitly embraced this cultural connection. “Every club and every city has their own culture,” Iisalo explained, emphasizing the importance of a team's identity reflecting its surroundings. His philosophy of dedication, resilience, and relentless effort aligns seamlessly with the storied grit and determination synonymous with Memphis.

🔄 Interim to Permanent: A Broader NBA Trend

Iisalo’s elevation to permanent head coach is part of a wider recent trend across the NBA. Notably, in a brief period, Doug Christie was officially named head coach in Sacramento, and Mitch Johnson assumed permanent duties in San Antonio. This wave of interim promotions underscores a league-wide willingness to reward leadership shown during challenging transitions. Meanwhile, Phoenix remains without a permanent coach, and Denver is navigating its playoff run with David Adelman still in an interim position.

🇫🇮 Finnish Basketball on the NBA Stage

Iisalo’s full-time appointment carries significant national pride for Finland, marking the first time a Finnish-born coach will helm an NBA team. This groundbreaking achievement is not just personally significant for Iisalo but also marks an important milestone in the globalization of basketball coaching. His presence on the NBA sidelines enhances visibility for Finnish basketball, potentially inspiring future generations of Finnish athletes and coaches.

🔮 Looking Ahead to a Promising Future

With a fresh mandate and the organization’s robust backing, Iisalo has the opportunity to reshape the Grizzlies into consistent contenders. Despite the Western Conference’s notorious competitiveness, the Grizzlies are optimistic about their direction under Iisalo’s leadership.

Zach Kleiman, the Grizzlies’ President and General Manager, voiced strong support, reinforcing the organization's commitment to Iisalo’s vision: “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.”

🗣️ Vision and Philosophy for Memphis Basketball

As he embarks on this new chapter, Iisalo plans to implement a structured, disciplined approach designed to elevate the Grizzlies’ performance sustainably. His strategies are expected to draw from his extensive European experience, focusing on ball movement, strong defensive principles, and collective responsibility—elements central to his coaching success overseas.

📅 Offseason Development and Strategy

Entering the offseason, Memphis anticipates strategic roster moves and potential adjustments to align with Iisalo’s coaching philosophy. Player development will be critical, with a focus on nurturing young talent and building a cohesive unit that matches Iisalo’s vision. This phase is pivotal, setting the stage for Memphis’s success in upcoming seasons.

📌 Setting a New Standard

Tuomas Iisalo’s promotion to full-time head coach not only represents a significant career milestone for him but also signals a new standard within the Grizzlies organization. His journey from interim uncertainty to permanent leadership exemplifies how effective management, player endorsement, and tactical clarity can reshape a franchise’s trajectory.

🏀 Final Reflections

With the interim label behind him, Iisalo’s true impact can now fully materialize as he leads the Memphis Grizzlies into a fresh era. His global perspective, player-centric philosophy, and proven track record offer compelling reasons for optimism. The Memphis community, known for its passionate support, now watches keenly as Iisalo embarks on the challenge of transforming promise into sustained success.

The journey ahead, while filled with inevitable challenges, promises excitement and growth under Iisalo’s dedicated and thoughtful leadership, setting a promising foundation for the Grizzlies' future.

Category

Details

Full Name

Tuomas Iisalo

Date of Birth

July 29, 1982

Place of Birth

Helsinki, Finland

Nationality

Finnish

Height

Approx. 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)

Current Role (2024)

Head Coach, Paris Basketball (France)

Former Roles

Head Coach, Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany); Crailsheim Merlins (Germany)

Playing Career

Played as a guard for several Finnish teams and had stints in Germany before turning to coaching

Coaching Start

2014 (Head coach debut with Bisons Loimaa, Finland)

Known For

High-tempo offense, modern European basketball systems, strong defensive principles

Coaching Achievements

- 2023 Basketball Champions League (BCL) Champion with Bonn

- 2023 German Coach of the Year

- Led Bonn to a historic BCL Final Four appearance

- Multiple playoff appearances in German BBL

Signature Style

- Emphasis on spacing, quick ball movement, off-ball activity

- Uses analytics-driven decision-making and efficient rotations

Philosophy

"Trust the process, develop the team identity, empower players within structure"

Languages Spoken

Finnish, English, German

Education

Background in sports science and coaching from Finland

Family

Brother: Joonas Iisalo (also a successful professional basketball coach)

Contribution to Basketball

Credited with revolutionizing team basketball structure at mid-tier clubs in Europe

Media Presence

Featured in European basketball interviews and coaching summits

Future Outlook

Seen as a rising star in European basketball; potential EuroLeague or NBA interest