Frank Vogel has been fired as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns after a disappointing season that ended without a playoff victory. The decision was made less than two weeks after the team was swept out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Phoenix entered the season with high hopes after acquiring All-Star Bradley Beal to join Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but the trio never seemed to mesh on the court due to injuries and other challenges.
Despite Vogel stating before Game 4 against the Timberwolves that he had the full support of owner Mat Ishbia and expected to return for a second season, he is now out of a job. The franchise has undergone major changes under Ishbia’s leadership, including acquiring Durant and Beal in trades and firing coach Monty Williams. With the team looking for their third head coach in three seasons, they are focused on making the necessary changes to reach their championship goals.
Suns general manager James Jones emphasized the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber team and taking accountability for last season falling below expectations. With limited flexibility under the league’s salary cap due to the big contracts of Durant, Booker, Beal, and Grayson Allen, major changes may be necessary to improve the roster. Despite finishing the regular season with a 49-33 record and earning the No. 6 seed, the Suns narrowly avoided the play-in tournament.
Prior to coaching the Suns, Vogel had successful tenures as head coach of the Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers. During his time with the Pacers, he led the team to two Eastern Conference Finals trips, and with the Lakers, he won the 2019-20 NBA title. Vogel’s departure marks the end of a challenging season for the Suns, and the team will now focus on finding a new head coach who can help them reach their ultimate goal of winning a championship.
The firing of Vogel comes as part of the Suns’ ongoing efforts to evaluate their operations and make the necessary changes to improve the team’s performance. As the team looks ahead to the future, they are committed to building a championship team and holding themselves accountable for their results. With the offseason underway, the franchise will be looking to make strategic moves to strengthen the roster and position themselves as contenders in the upcoming seasons.
