Phoenix Suns Tab Frank Vogel as Next Head Coach

The Phoenix Suns have their next head coach. According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, the team is wrapping up a deal with former Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel.

JUST IN: Frank Vogel is finalizing a deal to become the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/bef5NdTO29
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 2, 2023

Vogel won a title with the Lakers during the 2019-2020 pandemic season, otherwise known as the bubble season. He was let go following a disappointing 2021-22 in which the Lakers finished 33-49. He's been out of coaching ever since.

Vogel is an extremely experienced coach with deep ties around the league. Besides his 11 years as a head coach, he also served as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics, the Pacers, and even the Philadelphia 76ers for a year.

Vogel has demonstrated an aptitude for navigating and cooperating with the league's biggest superstars, so he'd make sense for a Suns organization that hopes to build on a star-studded roster that includes Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, and Kevin Durant. Vogel has coached LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Paul George to All-Star seasons at various times over his career.

However, as accomplished as Vogel is, he's not without his downsides. His championship is a bit of an anomaly; not only did it take place during the pandemic, but the Lakers also benefited from the novelty of combining Anthony Davis and LeBron James for the very first season. Outside of that one year, Vogel's teams have combined for a modest 379-370 record.