Frank Vogel is one of the 10 best coaches in the NBA. The Indiana Pacers are better with him in the big chair.
But is he going to be back next season?
Probably, only because it’s hard to imagine otherwise, but the door has been opened reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical at Yahoo Sports.
Sources: Indiana coach Frank Vogel's contract expires at season's end and so far there's been no discussion of a contract extension.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 2, 2016
Vogel would have intense appeal on the market. He could be patient with choosing a new job -- if he doesn't return to Indiana.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 2, 2016
Are the Pacers’ serious? Team president Larry Bird wouldn’t answer the question, but neither did he throw water on the rumor to put the flames out.
I just asked Larry Bird: What happens to Frank Vogel - is he back next year? Bird: “Come on, man, the game just ended.” And he walked off.
— Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) May 2, 2016
Vogel wouldn’t need to worry about employment, he would instantly jump to near the top of every coaching search list out there (and the ones that will come up next year).
The question is, why would the Pacers do this? Can you pick apart is end-of-game management in Game 4, and question his rotations? Sure. Did he make a mistake with his timeout call late in Game 7? Probably. He’s not perfect.
However, this is a team whose second and third best players are Monta Ellis and George Hill, and they have a thin bench — Vogel did more with less he was given by Larry Bird than just about any coach could have. This team has limitations and he has done a fantastic job putting players in positions where they could succeed.
I imagine in a couple of weeks the Pacers will announce a new deal with Vogel. But the door is now open to change.