BREAKING: Marc Gasol is back to Memphis Grizzlies to take the lead coach role ESPN Report…

BREAKING: Marc Gasol Returns to Memphis Grizzlies as Head Coach, ESPN Reports

MEMPHIS – In a stunning move that has electrified the NBA world and warmed the hearts of Memphis fans, Marc Gasol is officially returning to the Memphis Grizzlies — this time, not as a player, but as the team’s new head coach.

The announcement came early Friday morning in an ESPN exclusive, sending shockwaves across the league. Gasol, a former NBA champion and one of the most beloved figures in Grizzlies history, will take the reins as the franchise’s head coach starting next season.

From Center to Coach

Gasol’s journey is the stuff of basketball legend. Traded to Memphis in 2008, he spent over a decade establishing himself as the emotional and tactical heart of the “Grit and Grind” era. He was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 and made three All-Star appearances while leading the team to multiple playoff runs alongside the likes of Mike Conley, Zach Randolph, and Tony Allen.

After leaving Memphis in 2019, Gasol won an NBA championship with the Toronto Raptors before finishing his playing career in Spain. Many assumed he would quietly transition into retirement, but behind the scenes, Gasol was already preparing for his next chapter — coaching.

A Vision for the Future

“I’ve always felt like Memphis was home,” Gasol said in a statement. “This city gave me everything, and now it’s my turn to give back in a different way. Coaching wasn’t part of the plan when I retired, but the opportunity to help shape this young team, to bring that same grit and soul to a new generation — it’s something I couldn’t say no to.”

Sources say Gasol had been in talks with Grizzlies management for months and was actively involved in studying game film, sitting in on practices, and mentoring players informally before accepting the role.

A New Era for the Grizzlies

Gasol’s appointment comes at a pivotal time. The Grizzlies have a promising young core, including Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., but have struggled with consistency and leadership over the past season.

Team president Zach Kleiman praised the decision. “Marc knows this organization, this city, and this culture better than anyone. He brings leadership, intelligence, and a deep passion for the game. We believe he’s the perfect person to guide this team into the future.”

What’s Next?

Gasol is expected to bring a hybrid coaching style — a mix of old-school toughness and modern offensive ingenuity, drawing from his years playing in both the NBA and Europe. While questions remain about how his lack of formal coaching experience will play out on the sidelines, few doubt his basketball IQ or his ability to command respect in the locker room.

The Grizzlies will officially introduce Gasol as head coach in a press conference Monday morning at FedExForum.

Memphis isn’t just getting a coach — it’s getting its heart back.