PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have officially announced the firing of coach Frank Vogel after just one season in the Valley.
Vogel’s position was largely up in the air, and as time passed since Phoenix’s first-round exit, many believed the Suns were leaning toward keeping Vogel for a second year.
That ultimately wasn’t the case, with ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski reporting that the move to fire Vogel was always “leaning” in that direction.
“I think there was a tendency in Phoenix for Frank Vogel to be replaced, but they took the time to meet with the players and have meetings with the front office and ownership. But it’s always been that way, and today Vogel was fired. ” said Wojnarowski. ESPN.
“I’m hearing there’s already a lot of momentum for Mike Budenholzer to be the next head coach of the Phoenix Suns. This deal could come together pretty quickly. He was born in Arizona and grew up in Arizona. Championship coach. [winning the] 2021 title in Milwaukee. Although the Phoenix team is in a very difficult situation, there is a possibility that Mike Budenholzer will be appointed as the next head coach of the Phoenix Suns. ”
Doug Haller of The Athletic writes that Vogel didn’t have much of a chance to succeed in Phoenix.
“Vogel didn’t have much of a chance. He was a defensive-minded coach against an offensive-minded roster. Additionally, the Suns didn’t have a traditional point guard, which created a huge burden on Booker and Beal.” “The team might survive the regular season, but it won’t survive the playoffs,” Haller said.
“Still, Vogel’s biggest problem was in the locker room. As frustration mounted, players lost faith in their coach. Additionally, people briefed on the matter said that Durant was in a position with Booker and He said he was never satisfied with his offensive role alongside Beal.
Although the decision took longer than expected, it appears Vogel’s departure was only a matter of time.
