The Indiana Pacers announced today that the team will not renew the contract of head coach Frank Vogel, officially ending his tenure with the franchise. Vogel spent six seasons in Indiana, posting a record of 250-181 in the regular season, but just a 31-30 playoff record, which is where the problems began. That playoff record included a tough Game-7 loss this year to the Toronto Raptors.
Team president Larry Bird revealed the decision today, after stating earlier this week that the team was reviewing the state of where they are. When asked about making the tough call, Bird said "decided it's time for a new voice around here."
Bird also admitted that he had much higher expectations with Vogel running the team, which they could not reach. He expects their to be a lot of interest for the position, but has already ruled out former Rockets head coach Kevin McHale.
The former Boston Celtic star also said that he would be opened to hiring a first-time coach. When talking about his strategy in the coaching hunt, Bird said "'I'll take my time and go through a lot, make sure we can get the guy that can lead them and push them and get the ears of the players,"
The thought of firing Vogel was first brought up around the All-Star break, but not executed until Thursday morning, when Bird informed the coach of his decision over the phone. The other two coaches that Bird has fired, Rick Carlisle and Jim O'Brien, were both informed in person.
Vogel's stint with the Pacers began in 2011, when he was named the interim head coach following the firing of O'Brien. The Pacers' roster includes young stars like Paul George and Myles Turner, which makes the team an attractive destination for any free-agent coach.
Team president Larry Bird revealed the decision today, after stating earlier this week that the team was reviewing the state of where they are. When asked about making the tough call, Bird said "decided it's time for a new voice around here."
Bird also admitted that he had much higher expectations with Vogel running the team, which they could not reach. He expects their to be a lot of interest for the position, but has already ruled out former Rockets head coach Kevin McHale.
The former Boston Celtic star also said that he would be opened to hiring a first-time coach. When talking about his strategy in the coaching hunt, Bird said "'I'll take my time and go through a lot, make sure we can get the guy that can lead them and push them and get the ears of the players,"
The thought of firing Vogel was first brought up around the All-Star break, but not executed until Thursday morning, when Bird informed the coach of his decision over the phone. The other two coaches that Bird has fired, Rick Carlisle and Jim O'Brien, were both informed in person.
Vogel's stint with the Pacers began in 2011, when he was named the interim head coach following the firing of O'Brien. The Pacers' roster includes young stars like Paul George and Myles Turner, which makes the team an attractive destination for any free-agent coach.
