Mike Fratello out as Grizzlies head coach

By David
Kaye

After beginning the season 6-24, the Memphis Grizzlies were in store for a coaching change. Today, Grizzlies President Jerry West dismissed Fratello as their head coach.

In April, Fratello became the Grizzlies all- time winningest head coach and during his tenure he lead them to two postseason appearances.

Unfortunately, Memphis was hampered by injuries this season and most notably to their best player Pau Gasol who missed the teams first 22 games. When you coach in a win now league, starting 18 games under .500 is unacceptable.

Memphis currently sports the worst record in basketball and they have lost their last 9 out of 10 games. Their team is made up of several young players including Rudy Gay and Hakim Warrick, but when you have no consistent scorer besides Gasol it is hard pressed to win games. To add insult to injury, they play in an extremely competitive Western Conference and there is no chance that they can turn around their dismal season.

The search for an interim coach begins immediately and Jerry West will
most likely name a permenant head coach in the off season. It would be in West' best interest to hire a young coach who can balance the young players with the veterans.