In a surprising move, the Phoenix Suns have announced the dismissal of head coach Frank Vogel following a disappointing season. The decision comes in the wake of the Suns’ first-round exit from the playoffs, having been swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“After a thoughtful review of the season, we concluded that we needed a different head coach for our team. We appreciate Frank’s hard work and commitment,” stated Suns general manager James Jones. “We are here to win a championship and last season was way below our expectations. We will continue to evaluate our operation and make the necessary changes to reach our championship-caliber goals. We all take accountability, and it’s my job, along with Josh and ownership, to build a championship team.”
Vogel, who was hired just one year ago amidst high expectations, was tasked with harnessing the talents of the Suns’ star trio consisting of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Despite flashes of promise, the team struggled to find consistency throughout the season.
Injuries hampered Beal’s contributions for a significant portion of the campaign, while the Suns’ performance was also marred by turnovers and a lack of depth on the bench. Despite expressing confidence in his position prior to the playoff series against the Timberwolves, Vogel now finds himself without a job.
Throughout the season, Vogel’s defensive-oriented coaching style clashed with the Suns’ offensive strengths, leading to speculation about his suitability for the role, even though he won a championship with the Lakers in 2020 in the Florida bubble.
The Suns will now embark on the search for their third head coach in as many seasons, with former Milwaukee Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer emerging as a potential candidate. Despite constraints imposed by the league’s salary cap, which limits roster maneuverability, the Suns remain determined to assemble a championship-caliber team.
