Phoenix Suns have agreed to terms with Frank Vogel on a five-year, $31 million deal, making him their new head coach. Vogel was the Suns’ first choice of the five finalists for the vacant position, which included Kevin Young, Jordi Fernandez, Doc Rivers, and Nick Nurse. The Suns were looking for a coach with championship experience and identified Vogel, Nurse, and Rivers as candidates who had won titles as coaches. Vogel won the championship in 2020 with the Lakers in the Orlando Bubble. He replaces Monty Williams, who was fired after losing Game 6 to the No. 1-seeded Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals.
As seen on s, Frank Vogel was the Phoenix Suns’ first choice for their head-coaching position. Vogel was chosen over four other finalists, including Suns associate head coach Kevin Young, Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez, Doc Rivers, and Nick Nurse.
While Nurse interviewed with both Philadelphia and Phoenix last week, the 76ers ultimately landed him on Monday and had their introductory press conference on Thursday. On Friday, Phoenix agreed to terms with Vogel on a five-year, $31-million deal. Vogel is set to have his introductory press conference early next week at Footprint Center.
Vogel replaces Monty Williams, who was fired after losing Game 6 to the No. 1-seeded Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. Williams has since agreed to a six-year, $78.5-million deal with the Pistons, making him the highest-paid coach in NBA history.
The Suns went into the coaching search looking for a coach with championship experience, and Vogel fit the bill. He won the 2020 championship with the Lakers in the Orlando Bubble and was fired two seasons later after going 33-49 in 2021-22. Rivers coached the Celtics to the 2008 championship, and Nurse won his in 2019 with the Raptors.
The Suns interviewed the finalists in Michigan last week after doing zoom interviews with 10 to 12 candidates. New team owner Mat Ishbia is from Birmingham, Michigan, as his company, United Wholesale Mortgage, is based in Pontiac, Michigan. Ishbia bought the Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury for a record $4 billion.
Sources say the Suns see Vogel as a great guy and winner with tremendous work ethic who places a high priority on defense. Three of Vogel’s teams finished first in the league in defensive rating while two ranked third. The 2019-20 champion Lakers ranked third in that category, and the next season, they finished first in defensive rating.
Vogel’s hiring signals the Suns’ commitment to continuing their success after making it to the NBA Finals last season. With Vogel’s championship experience and defensive focus, the Suns hope to make another deep playoff run next season.
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