Phoenix Suns sacks coach Frank Vogel after being knocked out of the playoffs

Frank Vogel's career as Phoenix Suns coach is over after one disastrous season without a playoff win. The team dismissed Vogel, on Thursday, less than two weeks after being eliminated from the NBA playoffs in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Frank Vogel was recruited with great fanfare last summer and tasked with managing the Suns' All-Star three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The group had some excellent moments but never seemed to gel.

According to AP News, James Jones who is Phoenix Suns general manager says, “After a thoughtful review of the season, we concluded that we needed a different head coach for our team.” “We appreciate Frank’s hard work and commitment.”

The firing capped after a disastrous season in which the Suns, who signed Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the previous two seasons, finished sixth in the Western Conference without winning a playoff game. Vogel is leaving Phoenix after a 49-33 record in one season. 

Beal was injured for the majority of the first half of the season. Even when he returned, the Suns were hampered by turnovers and a short bench. Vogel stated before Game 4 against Minnesota Timberwolves that he had "the full support of (owner) Mat Ishbia" and expects to return for a second season. 

Mike Budenholzer appears on top of the list for the job

Frank Vogel always appeared like an odd match for the Suns, despite winning a championship with the Lakers in 2020 on the Florida bubble. He was a defensive-minded coach in charge of a club that thrived on offence. All season, it felt like the coach was looking for solutions. 

The franchise will now be seeking its third head coach in three seasons. Former Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, who defeated the Suns in the 2021 Finals, is among the possible possibilities. Vogel has a 480-422 record after 12 seasons with the Pacers, Lakers, and Suns.