The Phoenix Suns are reportedly hiring Frank Vogel as their head coach, bringing him in to replace Monty Williams following the team’s second-round playoff exit.
Phoenix sought experience during its coaching search, with Vogel, Doc Rivers and Tyronn Lue among the targets. When Nick Nurse turned down the Suns’ vacancy, opting to become the Philadelphia 76ers coach, Phoenix narrowed down its field of finalists.
As first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, Vogel has agreed to become the new Suns head coach. Phoenix chose him over assistant Kevin Young, with Doc Rivers withdrawing from consideration.
- Frank Vogel salary: $6.2M APY, $31 million over five years
Vogel, who turns 50 later this month, begins his fourth stint as a head coach. In his first stint with the Indiana Pacers, he went 431-250 in the regular season, with a 31-30 record in the playoffs.
After leaving Indiana, Vogel took over as the Orlando Magic head coach. However, he last just two seasons in Florida with a combined 54-110 record.
- Frank Vogel coaching record: 431-389 in regular season, 49-39 in NBA playoffs
Vogel’s best stint as a head coach came with the Los Angeles Lakers. In his first season, Los Angeles went 52-19 in the regular season then won the NBA Finals in the bubble. However, the Lakers dropped off in the next two years with a 42-30 mark (2020-’21) followed by a 33-49 record in his last season.
Vogel brings a defensive-focused background to Phoenix. In his first season with the Lakers, Los Angeles finished fourth in defensive efficiency (1.036) with the fifth-lowest effective field goal percentage (53.2% allowed).
Phoenix is working to retain Young, offering him the top role on Vogel’s staff. He is well-liked in the locker room and would help provide continuity following the dismissal of Williams.
Related: NBA games today