Frank Vogel is entering year two of a four-year coaching contract with the Magic. When blame had to fall somewhere for the team’s mismatched roster and struggles last season, Vogel was safe and GM Rob Hennigan was out (replaced by the very capable John Hammond formerly of the Bucks).
But now the Magic have made an interesting hire to help Vogel out, bringing in former Wizards’ head coach Randy Wittman, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Randy Wittman is finalizing a deal to join Orlando as a coaching consultant, reporting to head coach Frank Vogel, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 3, 2017
Sources: With assistant David Adelman accepting a bigger role in Denver, Magic are promoting Jay Hernandez and Matt Hill on Vogel's staff. https://t.co/VKHuUO7Aev
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 3, 2017
Vogel and Wittman both like to focus on defense first, but their views on offensive strategy seem pretty different. With Wittman out and Scott Brooks in with the Wizards last season their offense took a big leap forward (health played some factor in that), but their team defense worsened.
Vogel’s job is not in danger (yet, even with a new GM, not with three years left on the deal). It’s not Vogel’s coaching, Orlando could resurrect Red Auerbach and he couldn’t win with this roster. If Wittman can help Vogel pick up the Magic’s bottom-10 defense — which should be better — it will be a step forward. But it’s all an interesting fit.