The Phoenix Suns may be looking for a new head coach after the 2023-2024 season as Frank Vogel’s job could be in jeopardy. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski has reported that there is a growing belief around the league that Vogel’s position may be at risk, especially if the team is eliminated from the playoffs. With high expectations and a significant payroll, the Suns must show more in the first round and at least advance to avoid another coaching change. The team’s owner, Mat Ishbia, has already demonstrated a willingness to make quick changes, having fired former head coach Monty Williams after reaching the second round last season.
Vogel was hired last offseason to replace Williams, who had led the Suns to their first finals appearance in 28 years and three consecutive playoff appearances. Despite Williams’ success, Ishbia chose to start fresh with Vogel and could be prepared to move on once again. The Suns entered the season as title favorites with a roster built around stars like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. However, injuries and a lack of cohesion among the supporting cast contributed to a disappointing 49-33 record and a sixth seed in the Western Conference.
The Suns are facing elimination in the playoffs as they trail the Timberwolves 0-3 in the first round series. The team has struggled to compete, with Minnesota winning by an average margin of 18 points in the games so far. Vogel, who signed a five-year, $31 million contract last summer, could be coaching his final game for the Suns if they are unable to stage a comeback. The 50-year-old coach has a championship pedigree, having won a title with the Lakers in 2020 and led the Pacers to success earlier in his career.
If reports of Vogel’s potential departure are accurate, the Suns would be seeking their seventh head coach in the span of eight years. The instability in the coaching position reflects the high expectations and pressure facing the franchise, particularly with a roster full of talent that has fallen short of expectations. As the team looks to regroup and potentially make changes in the coaching staff, the future direction of the Suns remains uncertain. Vogel’s fate may be determined by the outcome of the playoff series against the Timberwolves and whether he can lead the team to a comeback and salvage their postseason aspirations.
