On Friday, it was unexpectedly revealed that Frank Vogel has signed a contract to take over as the Phoenix Suns’ head coach. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who first reported the agreement, Vogel would sign a five-year deal for $31 million. Given Vogel’s absence from coaching the previous season, this hire seems surprising.
BREAKING: The Suns are planning to hire Frank Vogel as the franchise’s next coach, sources tell ESPN. Sides are starting work on a long-term deal. Vogel brings with him a 2020 NBA title and history of constructing high-level defenses. pic.twitter.com/csF6bO8Bp7
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 2, 2023
Even though the LA Lakers won a championship with him in 2020, he was fired following the 2022 season, and Darvin Ham took his position. Some detractors contend that the NBA is essentially repurposing former coaches, casting doubt on the league’s coaching selections.
Reports claiming Frank Vogel will lead the franchise
The Phoenix Suns have identified their new head coach in Frank Vogel, claims NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. A long-term contract of $31 million is anticipated for the arrangement. With the 2020 NBA championship with the LA Lakers under his belt, Vogel not only has a history of winning championships but also a reputation for building elite defences. With the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic, he has previously coached.
Nick Nurse, who was elected to become head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, Doc Rivers, and current Phoenix assistant Kevin Young were all considered, but Vogel was picked above them all. Given the Suns’ current state of flux, which includes the midseason addition of Kevin Durant, Vogel’s hiring adds an intriguing dimension to the team’s future. The Denver Nuggets defeated Phoenix in the Western Conference playoffs in six games.
Prior to working with the Lakers, Vogel coached the Pacers for six productive seasons, guiding them to the postseason five times and twice to the conference finals. After that, he spent two years with the Magic before being fired for missing the playoffs.
"It's the classic getting the opposite of what you had. Monty Williams was a demanding coach, and Vogel is not like that. Vogel is also non-confrontational which is perfect for the Suns."
🔊@RicBucher with @jasonrmcintyre on the hiring of Frank Vogel.
📺https://t.co/lzZVjo4bt6 pic.twitter.com/zVb8TMjDY0
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) June 2, 2023
During Vogel’s time with the Lakers, they won the title in 2020 and secured the best record in the Western Conference in his first season. However, the team’s performance suffered with injuries in his third season, which prevented them from making the playoffs and led to Vogel’s dismissal. During his tenure with the Lakers, he ended with a 127-98 record.
Vogel’s proven track-record as HC for Lakers
As was announced on Friday, Frank Vogel has been chosen the Phoenix Suns’ next head coach. Vogel had a long coaching career as an assistant with the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, and Indiana Pacers from 2001 to 2010 before taking on this position. He took on the role of head coach for the first time in 2011, guiding the Pacers to a 20-18 mark in his first half-season and a 42-24 mark in the condensed 2012 campaign.
After a great run with the Pacers, Vogel took the helm of the Orlando Magic for two seasons in 2016, compiling a 54-110 record. He subsequently became leadership of the Los Angeles Lakers, where he guided LeBron James and the group for three seasons.
$6.2M annually for Frank Vogel compared to $13M annually for Monty Williams. Crazy https://t.co/4ZCay9JIdZ
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 2, 2023
The Lakers won the NBA Championship in the 2020 bubble under Vogel’s direction, making it their best playoff performance ever. The next season, though, they lost in the opening round of the playoffs.
With the Phoenix Suns, Vogel is under pressure to do well in the playoffs once more. The squad is expected to compete in the Western Conference with the presence of superstar players Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton on the roster. As the Suns strive to become one of the league’s elite teams, Vogel’s postseason background and performance will be keenly scrutinized.
