Indiana Pacers: Should They Let Frank Vogel Walk?
By Kyle Nishida
Indiana Pacers’ head coach Frank Vogel’s contract has expired, and the Pacers are not sure what to do with him.
The Pacers have not decided whether or not they want Vogel back as their head coach. In an interview with Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star, Indiana Pacers’ President Larry Bird said he wanted to talk to Vogel before making a decision. However, he admitted he was not sure how things will play out.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Bird said.
Bird was also adamant that he wants the Pacers to score more points on offense. However, this is where his dilemma with Vogel becomes an important issue. Can Vogel devise an offense to help the Pacers score more points?
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Vogel became the Indiana Pacers’ interim head coach in 2011. He was then given the full head coach title following the end of that season. The Pacers are 250-181 in the regular season and 31-30 in the playoffs with Vogel as head coach.
Vogel has been lauded for his ability to coach up strong defensive teams. However, his main issue has always been his lack of creativity as an offensive coach.
Since 2012, the Pacers have ranked in the bottom half of the league in points per game, and this past season was no different. The Pacers often relied on Paul George and Monta Ellis to create their own shots and shots for others through isolation plays. Also, the Pacers often wasted a lot time trying to force the ball into the post.
This was an okay strategy, but there were too many times where the ball stayed in one or two players’ hands the entire possession. As a result, the Pacers took too many contested shots and rushed shots. As a result, they struggled to score consistently.
Honestly, it is best for the Pacers and Vogel to part ways. Vogel is a solid coach, but his offensive philosophy does not match what Bird is looking for. Bird is looking for a creative offensive coach; which Vogel is not.
There is nothing wrong with making a move to try to the franchise better. Vogel made the franchise better when he first became head coach. Now, the franchise seems stagnant and needs new energy. A new coach would definitely bring in some new energy; as long as it is the right one of course.
According to Bird, there is no timetable regard Vogel’s fate. This is a mistake. They need to make a decision on Vogel sooner rather than later. Also, Vogel should want this situation cleared up quickly too.
The last thing the Indiana Pacers or Vogel should do is drag this process out because a long process hurts both sides.
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The Indiana Pacers could miss out on the top coaching targets by waiting too long. Meanwhile, Vogel will miss out on some vacant coaching jobs because teams looking for a head coach are trying to fill that role quickly.
It would be best for both sides to figure out this situation as quickly as possible. Hopefully, the two sides realize it is time for them to move on from one another.