It was revealed Thursday morning the Indiana Pacers and President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird, have decided to not not renew Frank Vogel’s contract as head coach of the team.
Breaking: @Pacers President Larry Bird announces Frank Vogel will not return as head coach of the team. pic.twitter.com/RJih8RhOlX
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 5, 2016
This is a head scratching move as Vogel is regarded in many circles as a top 10 coach in the NBA and has a lot of success in his six seasons under the helm in Indiana, including two eastern conference finals appearances.
Frank Vogel was with Pacers for all or parts of 6 seasons, and they made the playoffs in 5 of them pic.twitter.com/RiqqMVqcfZ
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 5, 2016
Looking at those numbers it is obvious that the Pacers have taken steps back the past two seasons. Vogel still lead the Pacers to the postseason five out of six times, even without Paul George who basically missed the entire 2014-15 season.
Larry Bird and the Pacers apparently want to play more uptempo and fast-paced like the Golden State Warriors, which doesn’t mesh with Vogel’s coaching philosophy or strengths.
Pacers won’t retain Frank Vogel.
The last 4 years, the team's offensive efficiency has ranked in lower half of NBA. pic.twitter.com/oaphwsLm6B
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 5, 2016
Vogel may not be the cup of tea for the Pacers going forward but he is still a great NBA coach and his phone should be ringing off the hook from Houston and New York right now as their search for their next head coach continues.
The Knicks would appear to be the perfect situation and have the inside track, if President of Basketball Operations Phil Jackson is willing to cut short his incredibly poorly timed, two week vacation in his zen land of South Dakota…
Always amazed where one finds good thai.#Sioux City pic.twitter.com/yQQII06bTH
— Phil Jackson (@PhilJackson11) May 4, 2016
There have been some surprisingly strong candidates on the coaching market this off-season, but Vogel may be the strongest and most surprising one. If he wants to he will be patrolling an NBA sideline again in 2016-17.
Early indications are that Brian Shaw has a good chance to land the Pacers job.
