Tony Barone Sr. Named Interim Head Coach
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Memphis, Tennessee December 28, 2006 — Memphis Grizzlies President of Basketball Operations Jerry West announced today that Tony Barone Sr. will take over as interim head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies.
This will be Barone’s first head coaching stint, serving the past seven seasons as director of player personnel with the Grizzlies. He also spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Grizzlies under former head coach Hubie Brown (2002-2004). Barone takes over a Grizzlies team with a 6-24 record.
“We are excited to have a person of this caliber serve as our interim head coach,” said West. “Tony is not only familiar with our veteran players, but also with our young players having been an integral part of their scouting and drafting process. We give Tony our full support and know the remainder of the season will be productive under his guidance."
Barone joined the Grizzlies after two years as a Big 12 color commentator with ESPN regional. He also served as head coach at Texas A&M from 1991-1998 where he advanced his 1994 Aggies to the NIT Tournament and was named Southwestern Conference Coach of the Year. Barone also served as head coach at Creighton University from 1985-1991, and was twice named Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year.
Lionel Hollins, Paul Cormier, Mitchell Anderson and Scott Adubato will continue to serve as assistant coaches under Tony Barone, Sr. Barone replaces head coach Mike Fratello who was relieved of his head coaching duties earlier today.
The Grizzlies will host the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, December 30 at 7 p.m .at FedExForum.