Indiana Pacers Part Ways With Head Coach Frank Vogel – blogged by @LoveRubyWoo

On Thursday morning, Indiana Pacers President Larry Bird announced that the organization would be parting ways with head coach Frank Vogel after six seasons. Just days after the Pacers were knocked out of the NBA playoffs in Game 7 against the Toronto Raptors, Bird has made the decision to not renew Vogel’s contract, which expired at the end of the Pacers’ season.

“It’s time for a new voice around here,” Bird said. “Sometimes my job really sucks and this is one of the toughest things I’ve done because of the respect I’ve had for Frank.”

During his time with the Pacers, Vogel led the team to the playoffs five times and was able to build one of the best defenses in the NBA. Vogel also holds the record for most wins in history by a Pacers coach. Despite his many accomplishments with the team, Bird ultimately felt that the Pacers’ offense was not in line with his standards. While the defense was solidified under Vogel, Bird felt that the offense was not fast enough, and that played a big part in the team’s playoff losses over the years. 

Sources say the Knicks and the Rockets are now eyeing Vogel for a head coaching position.