Pacers Tell Frank Vogel He Isn’t the Coach Anymore
By Ben Gibson
Larry Bird announced today that the Indiana Pacers won’t be bringing Frank Vogel back for another season.
After six seasons, a 250-181 regular season record, and two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, Frank Vogel is no longer the coach of the Indiana Pacers.
Team president Larry Bird confirmed the news today in a new conference, saying it was time for a change. Bird played with semantics, saying that it wasn’t a firing. He also said scoring points were another factor in the firing.
Data curated by PointAfter
The Indy Star’s Candace Buckner quoted Bird saying that he felt Vogel didn’t always get what he needed to out of players.
"“I’m sort of going to Frank’s side because he’s had so much success by staying positive. We do have to stay the course,” Bird said. “But I also think he’s got to start going after guys when they’re not doing what they’re supposed to do. And stay on them, whether you’ve got to take them out of the game when they’re not doing what they’re supposed to do, or limit their minutes. I will say, he hasn’t done that enough.”"
Bird played with semantics, saying that it wasn’t a firing. He also said scoring points were another factor in his decision.
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
Bird "My experience is good coaches leave after 3 years."
— Pat Boylan (@PatBoylanPacers) May 5, 2016
Bird re-emphasizes a need to improve offensively. "It's all about scoring some points."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 5, 2016
More Bird: "I know it’s not going to be a 100 percent popular move. All I think about is the franchise."
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) May 5, 2016
Larry Bird on Frank's desire to go big vs. small: When season starts, it's his team, his game and he's got to figure out how to win.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 5, 2016
George's desire to stay at the three and not play the four had a lot to do with Vogel going big.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) May 5, 2016
Bird tried to justify his decision, but many of the reasons he cited in the press conference don’t really add up. There were reasons to let Vogel go, but Bird didn’t do the best job of articulating that.
Bird also decided now was a great time to let everyone know Frank begged for his job, something that seems unnecessary. He didn’t mind throwing shade Vogel’s direction while ambiguously bringing up whether he had the lockerroom’s respect or not.
Bird: I think he did fine but it's all about motivating players and getting them to play at a higher level.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 5, 2016
Bird said he didn't meet with Frank but called him this morning and that Frank tried to talk him out of move, delay presser and meet.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 5, 2016
Bird says he spoke with Vogel for half an hour this morning, and Vogel asked him to reconsider his decision and “start all over."
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) May 5, 2016
Larry Bird says he and Frank Vogel spoke for about a half hour on the phone this morning, and that Vogel kept asking him to reconsider.
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 5, 2016
When asked if Frank was close to persuading Larry out of his decision, he responded after a pause: "I'd rather not talk about that."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 5, 2016
Bird says he won’t get the opinion of players on this hire. "I think it’s important to get somebody they respect. That’s key."
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) May 5, 2016
Of course, there is speculation on who will coach the Pacers next, though Bird ruled out former teammate and Houston Rockets coach Kevin McHale.
Vogel on Kevin McHale: "That ain't gonna happen because of our relationship"
— Pat Boylan (@PatBoylanPacers) May 5, 2016
Asked if Kevin McHale is a candidate, Larry Bird jokes he wouldn't do that to his former teammate.
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 5, 2016
On the price of paying a quality head coach being on the rise, Bird says "We will do what’s necessary to get the right guy."
— Scott Agness (@ScottAgness) May 5, 2016
Pacers assistant Nate McMillan and ex-Pacers aide Brian Shaw are two of the first names you hear in terms of coaches to replace Frank Vogel
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) May 5, 2016
Larry Bird: "There's s lot of people that want this job and I know why... We're Hoosiers and we treat people good."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 5, 2016
Another name emerging as a possible replacement for Vogel in Indiana, according to league sources: Bulls associate head coach Jim Boylen.
— Ken Berger (@KBergNBA) May 5, 2016
Former players showed support for Vogel and many are questioning Bird’s choice, considering all Vogel had done. There were some jokes, too.
Please @Pacers DO NOT fire Frank Vogel!!
— Danny Granger (@dgranger33) May 5, 2016
Great Coach. Great guy. Any team would be lucky to have him. He'll be fine. #Vogel
— Roy Hibbert (@Roy_Meets_World) May 5, 2016
The flaw in the Bird logic with Vogel?
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) May 5, 2016
Coach "shelf life" is simply an outdated NBA concept when rosters turn over every two years.
Spoelstra says that what he sees happening with Vogel and other coaches makes him feel grateful to be with Heat
— Ethan J. Skolnick, 5 Reasons Sports (@EthanJSkolnick) May 5, 2016
Larry Bird on Frank Vogel: "He's the best...he's the real deal."
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 5, 2016
Um, so, Larry...
Now Larry Bird has the simple task of replacing one of the most overachieving coaches in the NBA with someone who will get this team to the NBA Finals, something Vogel was just one game away from a few seasons ago.