Coach Dave Joerger has signed a contract extension with the Memphis Grizzlies. The team announced the extension on Tuesday.
The Grizzlies did not disclose terms of the deal. Joerger said on ESPN 92.9 FM in Memphis that the fourth year of his contract would be guaranteed, and the fifth year of his contract would be a team option, according to the Associated Press.
“I am absolutely thrilled to continue as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies for years to come,” Joerger said. “I want to thank Robert Pera for believing in me. I look forward to building on the success we experienced this year with our core group of players that I have worked closely with over the past seven years as we work towards our ultimate goal of winning a world championship. I am 100 percent committed to leading the Grizzlies and I could not be more proud to call Memphis home.”
Grizzlies owner Robert Pera also believes that it’s a good thing.
''Following an open and honest dialogue with Dave, it became clear that Dave was fully committed to Memphis and we are committed to him,'' Pera said in a statement. ''I look forward to seeing Dave build upon the foundation he helped establish over the last seven years, and we are both committed to bringing a championship to Memphis.''
Joerger had been an assistant coach for the Grizzlies since 2007. Last summer he succeeded Lionel Hollins as coach. This season, which was his first as an NBA coach, he led the Grizzlies to a 50-32 record, according to Sports Illustrated. The Grizlies were eliminated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.
Joerger’s new deal comes days after he had interviewed with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He said that three other teams had asked for permission to talk to him. Despite the interest from other teams though, he decided to stay with the Grizzlies.