Ex-Lakers coach Frank Vogel to be hired by the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have reached a deal with veteran NBA coach Frank Vogel to become the team’s next head coach, a person with direct knowledge of the deal told Paste BN Sports. The person requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the Suns made an official announcement.
Vogel, 49, last coached the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James, leading them to the 2020 championship at the Orlando bubble. The Lakers dismissed Vogel following the 2021-22 season with one year remaining on his contract after the Lakers finished with a 33-49 record and missed the playoffs.
Vogel was replaced by Darvin Ham, who led the Lakers to the Western Conference finals, where they were swept by the Denver Nuggets.
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Vogel has also coached the Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic and has a combined record of 431-389, leading his teams to the playoffs in seven of his 11 seasons as a head coach.
The Suns fired head coach Monty Williams after four seasons last month after Phoenix was eliminated in six games in the Western Conference semifinals by the Nuggets.
Phoenix still has All-Stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul, plus embattled center Deandre Ayton. Those four players will make at least $30 million each next season, with 34-year-old Durant set to make $46 million in the second season of a four-year, $194 million contract. Paul's deal is partially guaranteed.
Contributing: Jeff Zillgitt