Just a few moments ago, Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird announced that the organization will not retain head coach Frank Vogel.
In six seasons with the franchise, Vogel compiled a record of 250-181, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals two years in a row. They lost to LeBron James and the Miami Heat on both occasions.
This year, they were eliminated in seven games by the Toronto Raptors. They fought valiantly, but apparently not well enough to keep Vogel his job.
For the time being, new candidates for the position have not been speculated on. In his press conference, Bird said that his former Celtics teammate and former Rockets head coach Kevin McHale will not be considering, adding that “I respect him too much to work for me.”
Many members of the media are shocked and saddened by the decision.
Obviously, he hinted at it early in the week; Larry Bird has just announced Frank Vogel is out as coach of the Pacers. Still shocking to me.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) May 5, 2016
Wherever Frank Vogel lands, that team is getting a damn good coach.
— Will Reeve (@WillReeveJr) May 5, 2016
Frank Vogel is out. I'm not a fan of this decision. https://t.co/Uif14UPmQK
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) May 5, 2016
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Bird had nothing but good things to say about Vogel, stating that, “He's the best… He's the real deal.”
If he actually believes that, this decision is pretty confusing. They previously let go of Rick Carlisle, who has become a well-respected and successful coach with the Mavericks. Don't be surprised if something similar occurs with Vogel.
Before the announcement, Danny Granger, a former player under Vogel with the Pacers, demanded that the franchise hold on to him.
Please @Pacers DO NOT fire Frank Vogel!!
— Danny Granger (@dgranger33) May 5, 2016
Technically, Indiana complied with Granger's plea since Vogel wasn't really fired, per se.
Larry Bird: "Frank’s not getting fired, his contract is up and I just made the decision not to renew it."
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) May 5, 2016
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