Report: Dave Joerger Interested in Rockets Job and Mutual Interest From Houston

Houston's search for a new head coach continues and the process seems to have taken an intriguing turn.

On Saturday, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo's The Vertical reported that Dave Joerger, head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies, had been terminated after seeking permission to speak with the Sacramento Kings and the Houston Rockets (presumably to inquire about their respective head coaching vacancies). This news doesn't come as a surprise as Joerger has a history of never fully committing to the Grizzlies organization. Two years ago, he was successful in leveraging a coaching opportunity with the Minnesota Timberwolves in order to secure himself a multi-year deal with Memphis. After being on the hot seat and trying a similar stunt this year, the Grizzlies had had enough and terminated his contract.

Now Joerger is certainly an interesting coaching prospect for Houston. He brings with him the strong defensive mindset that helped mould the "Grit n' Grind" Memphis Grizzlies and he brings an offensive ingenuity that the Rockets have never had under former head coach Kevin McHale and that some of the leading high profile candidates for the job aren't well known for (Jeff Van Gundy, Frank Vogel, etc..). Putting aside this year due to injuries, Joerger has never falen below 7th in defensive efficiency throughout his reign as head coach of the Grizzlies.

It also appears that the interest for the Rockets' vacancy isn't just a one-way street. In fact, Sam Amick of USA Today Sports also reported Saturday, that there is significant interest coming from the Rockets camp as well.

"He (Joerger) is receiving consideration from the Houston Rockets, and that interest - however strong - is mutual as well."

Whether both sides can come to an agreement or if Joerger even lands an interview with the Rockets, it's certainly starting to become clear that the Rockets are in the driver's seat in terms of being the most attractive coaching vacancy out on the market. This is also happening at possibly the best time to have a coaching vacancy as there seems to be a plethora of quality unemployed head coaches scattered across the league. The question now becomes whether or not Houston can capitalize on this opportunity.

Dave Joerger coached the Memphis Grizzlies from 2013 to 2016 for a regular season win-loss record of 147-99 (.598).