The Boston Celtics are still figuring out their 2022-2023 season plans following the suspension of head coach Ime Udoka, and a new report suggests the team could add last season’s Los Angeles Lakers head coach to bolster their diminished coaching staff.
The Celtics’ goals of getting back to the NBA finals and bringing the eighteenth title back to Boston took a major hit this week. It was revealed on Wednesday night that head coach Ime Udoka had gotten himself into serious hot water and would be facing a notable suspension from the organization. It was eventually leaked that Udoka had been involved in an affair with a female member of the staff and violated very clear organizational guidelines.
The hammer fell on the talented young coach on Thursday when the Celtics officially announced that the man that helped bring them back to the NBA finals for the first time in 12 years just a few months ago would be suspended for the entire upcoming season. Putting the organization and team in a difficult spot in ’22-’23.
Related: Celtics head coach Ime Udoka will not resign with one-year suspension forthcoming
After the original reports, came the news that assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to replace Udoka as the team’s interim head coach. However, new rumors on Friday claim that the team could add an experienced NBA head coach to help bolster the staff soon.
Former Los Angeles Lakers head coach could join the Boston Celtics staff
On Thursday, Sports Illustrated senior writer Chris Mannix suggested that former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel could be someone team president Brad Stevens seriously considers adding to the team’s coaching staff soon.
“Don’t be surprised if Frank Vogel is considered for the Celtics bench. Joe Mazzulla is expected to be elevated, but the staff is thin with head coaching experience. Vogel has a longstanding relationship with Brad Stevens.”
Vogel led the Lakers for three seasons, starting in 2019. The former Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic head coach helped the organization win an NBA championship in the Disney World bubble in 2020. He was dismissed from his position in the spring after the team had a massively disappointing season last year and even missed out on reaching the NBA Play-in tournament.
Mazzulla’s only head coaching experience came during a stint at an NCAA D-II school five years ago.