PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have hired Frank Vogel as their next head coach.
ESPN reported last week that the team was negotiating a deal to hire the former Los Angeles Lakers head coach.
“We are thrilled to welcome Frank Vogel to the Phoenix Suns as our new head coach,” said Owner Mat Ishbia in a press release Tuesday. “This is an important day for our organization as we continue to build a championship culture on and off the floor. Frank is an accomplished coach who understands how to win an NBA championship, which is our priority. Frank brings incredible character and work ethic, making him the ideal leader to continue to build one of the best organizations in all of sports.”
Vogel has served as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
He took the Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020.
Vogel replaces Monty Williams, who had a 194-115 record with the Suns and led the team to the NBA Finals in 2021.
After that Finals appearance, Phoenix lost in the Western Conference semifinals in each of the following two seasons.
On top of losing each series, they lost both series in Game 7.
In 2022, they lost at home to the Dallas Mavericks by 33, 123-90.
In 2023, they fell to the Western Conference Champion Denver Nuggets in Colorado, 125-100.
