Pacers coach Frank Vogel gets contract extension
By TYLER SMITH
ISL Editor
The Pacers announced on Wednesday that Coach Frank Vogel is receiving a multi-year contract extension.
The timing may come as a surprise to some fans. Some may argue that the Pacers should wait and see how Vogel does in what is likely to be a transition year. However, the last thing a team in transition needs is uncertainty at the head coaching position. For that reason alone, I applaud the timing of this announcement.
The Pacers still believe they can be a playoff team and then regroup with the return of Paul George next season. If the players know Frank Vogel is the guy for the future, it will help them relax and continue to build the pieces together.
Vogel received his fair share of criticism last season after the Pacers’ second half collapse and eventual loss in the Eastern Conference Finals. Depending on who you ask, you may hear completely different sides of that story. Some would say he was to blame for not being able to right a sinking ship. Others would say the team would’ve lost in the first round if it wasn’t for Vogel’s calming leadership.
Regardless of how you feel about Frank Vogel from last season, he has done a great overall job. He has compiled a .633 winning percentage (averages out to be a 52-win team), and has led the Pacers to back-to-back conference finals for just the third time in franchise history.
Extending an NBA head coach doesn’t guarantee anything. When asked last season if he was fighting for his job, Vogel responded by saying: “It’s the NBA, we’re always fighting for our jobs.” Former Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was given an extension before being fired the following season. This does, however, allow the players and fans to believe Vogel will be the head coach moving forward.
It’s still an important year for Vogel. There are still expectations to compete hard and make the playoffs despite losing key pieces. But for now, he can relax and concentrate only at the task at hand.
Follow Tyler on Twitter: @sports_tys_20
