Frank Vogel’s time as the Phoenix Suns’ coach has ended after a disappointing season that didn’t see any playoff wins. The team let go of the 50-year-old Vogel on Thursday, shortly after being swept out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“After looking at the season carefully, we decided that we needed a different coach for our team,” said Suns general manager James Jones. “We appreciate Frank’s hard work and dedication.”
Vogel was hired last summer amid high expectations to lead the Suns’ trio of All-Stars: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Although there were some good moments, the team struggled to come together as a cohesive unit.
Injuries, particularly to Beal in the first half of the season, and issues like turnovers and a lack of depth on the bench plagued the Suns.
Vogel had expressed confidence in his job security before Game 4 against the Timberwolves, but now finds himself without a position.
Vogel, known for his defensive coaching style, seemed like an odd match for the Suns, whose strength lies in their offense. Throughout the season, it felt like he was searching for solutions to the team’s inconsistency.
Reflecting on the season, Durant remarked on the team’s ups and downs and emphasized the need for individual improvement during the offseason. He also mentioned the coaches making adjustments based on game footage from the season.
Booker and Durant are part of the 12 players selected to represent the U.S. at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
