Breaking News: the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies has officially terminated his contract with the NBA franchise to sign a groundbreaking $547 million deal with the University of Kentucky men’s basketball program.
August 10, 2025 – Memphis, TN — In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies has officially terminated his contract with the NBA franchise to sign a groundbreaking $547 million deal with the University of Kentucky men’s basketball program.
The coach, whose tenure with the Grizzlies was marked by promising talent development and a defensive-minded culture, has accepted a long-term contract with Kentucky, making it one of the most lucrative deals in the history of college basketball.
In a formal statement released earlier today, the coach expressed gratitude to the Grizzlies organization and fans:
“It has been an honor to coach the Memphis Grizzlies. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and grateful to the players, staff, and fans who supported this journey. The opportunity at Kentucky is both humbling and exciting — a chance to return to the collegiate level and help shape the next generation of athletes. I’m looking forward to building something special in Lexington.”
Sources close to the deal say the $547 million figure includes performance bonuses, marketing incentives, and a long-term vision for integrating NBA-level resources into Kentucky’s basketball infrastructure.
While the NCAA landscape has been evolving rapidly — especially with the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities and major media deals — this move signals a new era where top-tier college programs can attract premier coaching talent away from the NBA.
The Grizzlies organization has not yet named an interim head coach but is expected to make a formal announcement later this week.
Fans of both programs now watch closely as Kentucky gears up for a potentially dominant season — and the Memphis Grizzlies begin a new chapter in their coaching search.
Let me know if you’d like a more casual tone, expanded background on the coach, or Kentucky’s recent program history.