Memphis, TN (Sports Network) - The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly hired Marc Iavaroni as its new head coach.The Memphis Commercial Appeal, citing an NBA source familiar with the negotiations, reported the hiring Wednesday. The Grizzlies have announced an afternoon press conference for Thursday to make a "major announcement."Iavaroni spent the last five seasons as an assistant with the Phoenix Suns. The last 3 1/2 years he served as top assistant to Suns' head coach Mike D'Antoni. Considered a defensive-oriented coach, Iavaroni has served on the staffs of Miami's Pat Riley and former Grizzlies head coach Mike Fratello.
Fratello was fired by the Grizzlies after a 6-24 start to the season. Tony Barone Sr. took over on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.
According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, Iavaroni was a finalist for the position with Larry Brown, who most likely would have been the next head coach had Memphis secured one of the top two picks in the upcoming draft.
However, despite having the best chance at the top slot, the Grizzlies fell all the way to fourth in the draft order.