Tony Allen now a player development coach for Grizzlies’ G League team

The Grindfather couldn’t stay away from the Memphis Grizzlies for long.

Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins revealed on Friday that team great Tony Allen is now working as a player development coach for the Memphis Hustle, the team’s G League affiliate, per Chris Herrington of The Daily Memphian.

For Allen, who retired after the 2017-18 campaign, coaching for the Hustle is particularly fitting. The 38-year-old was well known for his hustle, especially on defense, during his seven years in Memphis, giving the team its backbone during the iconic “Grit and Grind” era.

Allen is forever ingrained in Grizzlies lore, so starting his coaching career with the organization as well feels only right.