Grizzlies Hire Fratello

Mike Fratello was hired as coach of the Memphis Grizzlies on Thursday, leaving the TV booth and replacing friend and mentor Hubie Brown, who retired last week citing health reasons.

Fratello coached the Atlanta Hawks for eight seasons and the Cleveland Cavaliers for six, compiling a 592-499 record. He is the Grizzlies’ seventh head coach. Contract terms were not disclosed.

“Today is the beginning of a new day for all of us,” Grizzly President Jerry West said. “We want to get back to where we feel good about ourselves.”

The Grizzlies, who won 50 games last season, are off to a 5-11 start and have lost five in a row, including four since Brown’s departure.

Former Golden State Warrior coach Eric Musselman also joined the team as Fratello’s top assistant.

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