Dave Joerger

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Joerger was hired by the Memphis Grizzlies as an assistant coach for the 2007–08 season under Marc Iavaroni. In 2011, under Lionel Hollins, he was promoted to lead assistant and became the team's defense specialist. On June 27, 2013, he was hired as head coach. He was named Western Conference Coach of the Month in January and April of his first season. On May 28, 2014, he signed a 3-year contract extension. On May 7, 2016, he was fired after three seasons.

In Their Own Story

The Grizzlies organization announced on June 10, 2013, that Lionel Hollins would not be returning as head coach. Seventeen days later, on June 27, 2013, Joerger was hired. In his first season, he earned Western Conference Coach of the Month honors in both January and April. The team rewarded him with a 3-year contract extension on May 28, 2014. However, after three seasons, on May 7, 2016, Joerger was fired by the Grizzlies. The source does not provide details about playoff runs, specific games, or player relationships during his tenure.

Reader's Guide

Joerger's Grizzlies teams made the playoffs each year: in 2014 they lost in the First Round (3–4), in 2015 they lost in the Conference Semifinals (5–6), and in 2016 they lost in the First Round (0–4). His best playoff run as head coach was the 2015 Western Conference Semifinals.

Did You Know?

• Joerger won five minor league championships before joining the NBA.
• He was named CBA Coach of the Year twice (2002 and 2004).
• Joerger played college basketball at Concordia College and Minnesota State University Moorhead.