Grizzlies assistant coach David Joerger agreed to a two-year contract with the team today and was promoted to lead assistant.

Joerger just completed his fourth season on the Grizzlies’ bench after arriving with former head coach Marc Iavaroni in 2007. Joerger excelled this past season as the coach tabbed to implement head coach Lionel Hollins’ defensive principles.

Memphis made significant strides defensively this season with the addition of guard Tony Allen and a stronger commitment to team-oriented schemes.

The Grizzlies led the NBA in steals (9.4) and forced turnovers (16.5), and were second in points off turnovers (19.4). Memphis ranked seventh in blocked shots (5.4).

“I’m happy for (Joerger), our staff and our team,” Hollins said. “He was instrumental in us being successful. Keeping him gives me a little peace of mind.”

Hollins lost two assistants following the Grizzlies’ most successful playoff run in franchise history. Assistants Johnny Davis (Toronto) and Damon Stoudamire (University of Memphis) took other jobs after the Griz were eliminated in Game 7 of the Western Conference semi-finals.

Davis was the lead assistant under Hollins.

Memphis Tigers Head Basketball Coach Josh Pastner is not known for making quick decisions when it comes to his coaching staff.

“I really want to make sure I get the right guy. That’s important to me,” said Pastner about his search for a new Assistant Head Coach.

But, after interviewing Memphis Grizzlies Assistant Coach Damon Stoudamire, it took less than a week for Coach Pastner to make a decision.

Stoudamire has been in Memphis since 2005, first as a player with the team, then as an assistant. In 2010, he coached Memphis’ summer league squad.

Stoudamire is no stranger to college coaching. In December of 2008 he accepted a coaching position as Director of Player Development at Rice University.

The former NBA star has also proven himself off the court as well. In 2007, Stoudamire gave 100 kids from the Memphis Athletic Ministries gift cards to purchase clothing, toys and needed household items.

“I grew up in a single parent home. (It’s) my way of giving back,” he said.

HOUSTON – NBA sources confirmed for FOX 26 Sports the Houston Rockets will meet this week with Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Dave Joerger.

The Rockets received permission from Memphis to meet with Joerger as they work to fill new head coach Kevin McHales’s staff.

Joerger has been on the Grizzlies’ staff for four years.

Prior to his stint in Memphis, Joerger won the NBA Development League championship in 2007 with the Dakota Wizards.