After guiding the Phoenix Suns through one NBA regular season and three playoff games, coach Frank Vogel"s tenure with the team may be on shaky ground.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Suns are mulling over the possibility of parting ways with Vogel following the conclusion of the playoffs. This consideration comes as Phoenix is trailing in their first-round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves with a daunting 3-0 deficit.
REPORT: Frank Vogel’s job security is in "peril" and could be fired after one season with Suns, per @wojespn. pic.twitter.com/26xpSutlVA
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 28, 2024
The potential decision to let go of Vogel isn"t entirely surprising, especially considering the Suns" challenging circumstances. Despite finishing sixth in the Western Conference standings, the team has struggled against the third-seeded Timberwolves, exacerbated by a string of injuries throughout the season.
Even with their key players like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal returning to full health, the Suns" performance has fallen short of expectations, as noted by Wojnarowski during an ESPN segment.
“[There’s] increasing belief around the league that Frank Vogel’s job is in peril if he loses," Wojnarowski commented. “Especially as abruptly as they might in a sweep, as dispirited as they looked in Game 3. When you have this kind of payroll, these kinds of expectations, you’ve got to not only show more in the first round, you’ve got to get out of the first round."
This potential shake-up in coaching staff follows the Suns" decision to part ways with former coach Monty Williams after last year"s second-round playoff exit against the Denver Nuggets. Despite the change, the Suns have failed to achieve significant improvement this season.
“Losing in six last year to Denver in the second round cost Monty Williams his job," Wojnarowski explained. “You see Mat Ishbia, the owner, he’s made rapid change in his short tenure as owner. Frank Vogel’s job very much may be in jeopardy now."
Vogel, 50, had a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Suns, leading them to a championship victory during the 2020 season in the Disney Bubble. Previously, he served as head coach for the Orlando Magic and the Indiana Pacers, amassing a regular-season record of 48-422 over 12 NBA seasons.
