Grizzlies introduce Iavaroni as coach

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MEMPHIS, May 31 (UPI) -- The Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday introduced Marc Iavaroni as their new head coach.

The hiring of Iavaroni was announced Wednesday, ending speculation that Larry Brown might take over the team.

"Marc is going to make an immediate impact on this organization, team and city and we are honored that he will be making his NBA head coaching debut with Memphis," said Grizzlies majority owner Michael Heisley. "He is highly regarded by Jerry West as a coach with extraordinary basketball knowledge and skill."

For the past five seasons Iavaroni has been an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns. He is considered a defensive-oriented coach, having once worked with Miami's Pat Riley.

The Grizzlies fired Coach Mike Fratello after the team got off to a 6-24 start this season. Tony Barone coached the team for the remainder of the campaign.

"I am very excited to join an organization that is determined to do what it takes to win," Iavaroni said. "I look forward to developing the types of relationships necessary to have the best shot of achieving that goal."