Vanderbilt is turning to an NBA veteran to lead its basketball program. 

The Commodores announced Friday they have hired Memphis Grizzlies assistant Jerry Stackhouse to become their new head coach. ESPN reported Stackhouse will get a six-year deal. 

"I am extremely excited to join the Vanderbilt family and build on the incredible accomplishments of its athletics program and men's basketball program," Stackhouse said in a release. "I look forward to furthering Vanderbilt's unique approach to athletics — blending a powerhouse competitive spirit with elite academics to holistically develop talented student-athletes and celebrate victories on and off the court."

The 44-year-old previously served as an assistant with the Raptors and also as head coach of Toronto's G League team, which he led to a championship in 2017, earning Coach of the Year honors in the process. 

Vanderbilt's new athletic director, Malcolm Turner, was the president of the G League during that period and, like Stackhouse, attended North Carolina. 

"The future is bright for the men's basketball team with such an accomplished individual at the helm," Turner said. "Jerry brings a unique mix of experience as a legendary player and successful coach, and I fully expect he'll take the program to new heights. I've spoken with people inside and outside both college and professional basketball, and there is unanimous agreement that Jerry's competitiveness, grit and tireless focus on player development are a perfect fit to advance the 'Vanderbilt Way' in college athletics. This is an incredibly exciting moment for Vanderbilt." 

Stackhouse starred for the Tar Heels in the 1990s and was the third overall pick by the 76ers in the 1995 NBA Draft. That was the start of an 18-year career that saw Stackhouse play for eight teams and twice earn All-Star selections. 

He worked as a broadcaster between his retirement as a player and the start of his coaching career, and also founded an AAU team, Atlanta-based Stackhouse Elite, while still an active player. 

Stackhouse replaces Bryce Drew, who was fired last month after the Commodores went 0-18 in SEC play this season. Drew went 40-59 overall in his three seasons in Nashville.