Taylor Jenkins was unexpectedly fired as the Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach with nine games left in the 2025 regular season. The franchise’s winningest coach (250 career wins in six seasons) was dismissed despite consistently leading Memphis to playoff contention. Now, the team faces a critical postseason push under Tuomas Iisalo, a rising European coaching star.
Iisalo, known for his tactical innovation and European success, steps into a challenging situation. With little time to implement his vision, the Finnish coach must quickly unite the roster and spark a late-season surge to prove he’s the right man for the job — both now and in the future
Who Is Grizzlies Interim Coach Tuomas Iisalo?
Iisalo, 42, takes over as interim head coach after joining Memphis as a lead assistant in July 2024. His promotion made him the first Finnish-born head coach in NBA history. Before arriving in the league, he gained recognition for his up-tempo European coaching philosophy, leading Paris Basketball to success in 2023-24.
His coaching résumé includes guiding the Crailsheim Merlins and Telekom Baskets Bonn to top finishes in the Basketball Bundesliga, earning two Bundesliga Coach of the Year honors. With Paris Basketball, he secured the team’s first EuroCup championship, proving his ability to build fast-paced, winning teams.
The task of replacing Jenkins with his 250-214 Memphis record is significant. As the fifth-place team in the Western Conference with a 44-29 record, Iisalo faces high pressure to perform during the remaining two weeks before the playoffs begin. Iisalo must quickly establish an effective system amid a flurry of lineup adjustments.
Challenges and Opportunities for Iisalo as Interim Head Coach
With nine games left, including clashes against the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics, Iisalo faces a trial by fire. The Grizzlies’ recent 11-20 record against winning teams underscores the urgency. A strong finish could cement his case for the permanent gig, but time is tight.
One of Iisalo’s immediate concerns will be optimizing the offensive structure around star guard Ja Morant, who is averaging 22.3 points and 7.4 assists per game. Additionally, integrating Desmond Bane’s perimeter shooting (39.8% from 3-point range) and Jaren Jackson Jr.’s defensive versatility into a cohesive system will be key.
Iisalo’s ability to unify the locker room and implement his system under pressure will define his brief but crucial leadership stint. If he can turn this unexpected opportunity into a playoff run, he just might secure a long-term future in Memphis, especially as the team faces an unexpected hurdle right before the postseason.