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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

AP Source: Grizzlies offer coaching job to David Fizdale

Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale is reportedly the next head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies. (Joel Auerbach / Associated Press)
By Teresa M. Walker Associated Press

The Memphis Grizzlies are ready to make another assistant coach a first-time NBA head coach after offering their job to Miami Heat assistant David Fizdale, according to a person familiar with the negotiations.

The person says Fizdale met with Grizzlies controlling owner Robert Pera on Wednesday in California and that the job had been offered. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the Grizzlies are not commenting on specific candidates.

Fizdale would replace Dave Joerger, fired May 7 after three seasons and three playoff berths. This would be Fizdale’s first head coaching job. He has been with the Heat since the 2008-09 season and has been assistant head coach the past two seasons.

Guard Mario Chalmers, who played for Fizdale with the Heat before being traded to Memphis last November, approved of the move.

“Fizz to Memphis huh. I like that move. Great coach and even a better person. Happy for my guy Fizz,” Chalmers wrote on Twitter.