The Memphis Grizzlies recently announced that Thomas Isalo has officially taken over as head coach after serving as interim head coach for more than a month. According to team policy, the specific terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Regarding the decision to promote Thomas Isalo, Grizzlies President and General Manager of Basketball Operations Zach Z. Kleiman explained: "I have every confidence in Thomas as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. Thomas has coached teams at all levels with strict discipline, tenacious fighting spirit, both offensive and defensive strength, and always exceeded people's expectations. We look forward to him bringing the same performance in Memphis."

Thomas Isalo, 42, started his coaching career in 2014 and joined the Grizzlies as an assistant coach in 2024. Before coming to Memphis, he was elected the best coach of the German Basketball League for two consecutive years (2022, 2023), and won the best coach of the 2023 European Basketball Champions League, the best coach of the 2024 European Cup Basketball Tournament, the best coach of the 2024 French Basketball League, and the best coach of Finland in 2024.

On March 28 this year, Isalo took over as head coach after Taylor Jenkins was fired, and eventually led the Grizzlies to a 4-5 record to end the regular season. Although the Grizzlies were swept 4-0 by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, Isalo still won the trust of management and players. He also became the first Finnish head coach in NBA history.