Lionel Hollins Out as Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach


Despite his wish to return, things didn’t look good for Lionel Hollins and the Memphis Grizzlies after their season ended. And they’re not. The Commercial Appeal reports that Hollins will not re-unite with the Grizz next seasons: “Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins was informed Monday evening that his contract would not be renewed, thus ending his reign as the most successful leader on the bench in team history, sources said. Hollins’ contract is scheduled to expire June 30 but the Griz have decided to go in a different direction because of ‘philosophical differences,’ according to sources close to Griz management. Under Hollins, the Griz reached the Western Conference Finals after winning a franchise-record 56 games in the regular season. The franchise improved its record every season Hollins was coach. The Griz will now consider former Denver coach George Karl and former Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry, along with Griz assistant coach David Joerger as a replacement, according to a source with knowledge of the team’s plans.”