Lionel Hollins Reportedly Could Be Out as Grizzlies Head Coach

According to multiple published reports, contract extension talks have broken down between Memphis and head coach Lionel Hollins and the Grizzlies could have a new bench boss next season. Per Yahoo! Sports: “After talks on a contract extension stalled over the weekend with what one source calls ‘major philosophical differences,’ coach Lionel Hollins is likely done as the coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, league sources say. […] After several days of talks among management, Hollins and his representation, the sides were unable to seriously consider terms of a potential contract because of hurdles that they couldn’t clear with how new management wants the coach to fit into the franchise’s belief systems, sources said. […] Since the analytics-driven new ownership group of Robert Pera took over control of the franchise this season, there’s been dramatic conflict between management and Hollins. Grizzlies CEO Jason Levien has given vice president of basketball operations John Hollinger significant latitude in constructing the roster and a philosophy. Management wants a coach willing to buy into the analytic movement, using those mechanisms to make roster, lineup and system decisions. Hollins has resented what he considers undue interference by management, and has stood by his track record and success in maintaining productivity with a roster of diverse and difficult personalities. During the Grizzlies’ playoff run, tensions turned to a confrontation when Hollins exploded during a practice session upon finding Hollinger had walked onto the practice court and engaged forward Austin Daye during a shooting drill, multiple sources said.”