Grizzlies coach Iavaroni staying on the job

5/2/2008 6:03 PM

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) -Marc Iavaroni will return to lead the Memphis Grizzlies next season after having won only 22 games in his first stint as an NBA head coach.

The Grizzlies' disappointing season led to talks among franchise executives and owner Michael Heisley about the direction of the team.

``We had a lot of discussions, and we were very supportive of Marc and the job he did throughout the year,'' Wallace said. ``It was basically what all organizations do. They review all aspects of the operation, and we came to the conclusion that Marc should come back again to get a chance to build on what he started.''

Iavaroni joined the Grizzlies amid efforts to rebuild the team with younger players.

``We've got to do something to add a physical toughness,'' Iavaroni said. ``We're willing to look at all things concerning our schemes, simplifying them, adding toughness in terms of personnel and making guys more accountable.''

He is the team's fifth coach in its seven years in Memphis.

The Grizzlies traded away top scorer and rebounder Pau Gasol to the Los Angeles Lakers in February.

Memphis has been especially weak on defense.

``Marc's been with some very good defensive systems before, particularly in Miami with Pat Riley and up in Cleveland with Mike Fratello, and he was a good defensive player, so he can teach defense,'' Wallace said. ``We're going to make a big emphasis on improving our defense next year.''