Memphis, TN (My Sportsbook) - Sidney Lowe resigned as the
Memphis Grizzlies head coach on Tuesday, and Hubie Brown was later handed the reigns by Memphis president of
basketball operations Jerry West. The Grizzlies have yet to collect a win in eight games this season, matching their worst start in franchise history.
"We appreciate the tremendous effort shown by Sidney during his time spent as our head coach," West said. "He is an incredible person with great class, integrity and outstanding character. Sidney is a true professional with a great work ethic. I am sure that he will have other opportunities, and I wish him well for the future."
Lowe, who was the fifth head coach in the Grizzlies' eight-year history and in his third season, guided Memphis to a franchise-best 23 wins in each of his first two campaigns. He was hired on June 1, 2000.
"I understand that (today's announcement) is an unfortunate part of the professional coaching business," Lowe said. "I wish the team well. The Grizzlies have some good, young talent here, and they are going to be good in the future."
Lowe began his coaching career in 1991-92 as an assistant with the Minnesota Timberwolves. One season later, he took over as the head coach midway through the campaign and led the Wolves to a 13-30 record. The next season was his first full campaign but Minnesota finished with a 20-62 record.
The 69-year-old Brown, who will take over as the head coach immediately, has been out of coaching in the NBA since 1987, and most recently has served as an analyst for TNT.
"Hubie is one of the premiere basketball minds in the business," West said. "I feel fortunate that we are able to find such an individual in such a short period of time and that he agreed to step in and accept this job. Our young, talented players will have the experience of working with the ultimate teacher. We are certainly excited about what he brings to our team."
Brown led the Atlanta Hawks to three playoff appearances in five seasons from 1976 to 1981 and guided the New York Knicks to two playoffs in five campaigns from 1982 to 1987. He compiled a 199-208 overall record with Atlanta, and a 142-202 mark with the Knicks. Brown was named NBA Coach of the year in 1977.
