It's official! The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Sunday that they have hired the services of the former Miami Heat lead assistant David Fizdale to be the team's head coach.

"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," Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said in a statement.

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Fizdale, who is a product of the University of San Diego Toreros, has been with the Heat since 2008. He became the team's assistant head coach to the two-time NBA champion coach Erik Spoelstra in the year 2014.

He coached the Miami in the 2010 and 2012 summer leagues. Fizdale also served as the Golden State Warriors' assistant coach in the 2003-2004 season. He joined the Atlanta Hawks in the same capacity from 2004 to 2008.

"I have been fortunate to have worked with some of the greatest coaches and players in the NBA and am ready for this challenge," Fizdale, who has won more than 70 playoff games and 15 playoff series as an assistant during his stint with the Heat, said. "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."

The longtime NBA assistant has been given his first head coaching job by the Robert Pera majority-owned basketball club. Fizdale replaces Dave Joerger, who was booted out by the Grizzlies early this month after three seasons and three successive playoff appearances.  

The southwest Division team wrapped up the regular season with 42 victories and 40 defeats. The Grizzlies failed to advance to the semifinal round of the conference after getting swept by the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the First-Round of the playoffs. 

TagsMiami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, david fizdale, dave joerger, NBA 2016, 2016 nba playoffs