Current Memphis Grizzlies head coach Dave Joerger hasn’t officially moved on to the Minnesota Timberwolves just yet, but it looks like the Grizz are operating as if Joerger is all but gone—and, according to ESPN, already have a replacement in mind: the one and only Jeff Van Gundy.
Per ESPN:
One of the prime options under consideration by the Memphis Grizzlies in the wake of last week’s management shakeup and the looming departure of Dave Joerger to the Minnesota Timberwolves is making a run at Jeff Van Gundy to be their coach and run their front office, according to NBA coaching sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Grizzlies have serious interest in trying to convince Van Gundy to serve as coach and team president in a job structure modeled after the new dual role brother Stan Van Gundy has secured with the Detroit Pistons.
Jeff Van Gundy’s interest in that sort of undertaking — or the Grizzlies specifically in the wake of all their recent turmoil — is unclear, with the former New York Knicks and Houston Rockets coach and current ESPN analyst consistent in his reluctance to publicly discuss job openings. But after the ousting of CEO Jason Levien and with Joerger poised to leave, the immediate challenge for Grizzlies owner Robert Pera is convincing prospective candidates that they’ll be walking into a stable situation.
Other names on Memphis’ list of potential coach hires, sources say, include Los Angeles Clippers assistant coach Alvin Gentry and ESPN analyst George Karl, both of whom interviewed for the post before Joerger’s hiring. Sources say Gentry has already interviewed for the job openings with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Utah Jazz this month
