David Fizdale's hiring by Memphis Grizzlies now official

The Memphis Grizzlies officially named Miami Heat assistant coach David Fizdale as the Grizzlies' new head coach on Sunday.

The team did not provide details of Fizdale's contract, but the Memphis Commercial Appeal reported that Fizdale signed a three-year contract with a team option for a fourth year.

Fizdale, 41, has never been a head coach before. He replaces Dave Joerger, who was fired after last season and subsequently became coach of the Sacramento Kings.

"I am extremely excited to be in Memphis and really looking forward to building a legacy with this talented group of players," Fizdale said in a statement. "In my career, I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the greatest coaches and players in the NBA and am ready for this challenge. I am not only here to contribute to an organization that has built a history of winning, I am here to win it all and bring the wonderful people of Memphis their first Championship Parade down Beale Street. I am truly honored that (owner) Robert Pera, (general manager) Chris Wallace and the organization felt that I am the right man to lead us forward and I would like to thank them for their confidence and this great opportunity."

Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace also released a statement, which read, "We are pleased to welcome David to Memphis. After a comprehensive search process, and talking with a number of very bright basketball minds, we focused in on David and we are confident that he is the right person for the job. David's achievements throughout his career, his reputation as a strong tactician, his leadership with player development, and his ability to communicate and build strong relationships with his players make him the clear choice to guide the Grizzlies on and off the court, as we move forward and collectively build on the consistent success we have attained over the last several years."

Fizdale has been an assistant for the Heat for the past eight seasons. He also has been an NBA assistant coach with the Golden State Warriors and Atlanta Hawks. He served stints as a college assistant coach at the University of San Diego and Fresno State.

San Diego is Fizdale's alma mater and he was an All-West Coast Conference selection as a senior (1995-96 season).