Hollins becomes coach of Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- The Memphis Grizzlies have hired Lionel Hollins as head coach, General Manager Chris Wallace announced Sunday.

The 55-year-old Hollins joins the Grizzlies for the third time. He was an assistant coach in the mid-1990s and head coach for the final 60 games of the 1999-2000 season.

Hollins left an assistant coaching position with the Milwaukee Bucks to take the Memphis job, replacing Marc Iavaroni, who was fired Friday.

"We are pleased today to introduce Lionel Hollins as the next head coach of the Grizzlies," Wallace said. "Lionel brings an impressive resume of NBA experience both as a coach and player."

The Memphis club has a record of 11-30 and is riding a nine-game losing streak.

Hollins played for five teams during a 10-year NBA career in the 1970s and '80s.