Phoenix Suns dismiss head coach Frank Vogel following first-round series loss to Timberwolves in NBA playoffs

The Phoenix Suns made a bold move on Thursday, firing head coach Frank Vogel after a disappointing season. The decision came after the Suns were swept out of the first round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that hadn’t won a playoff series in 20 years.

Suns President of Basketball Operations and General Manager James Jones explained the decision, stating, “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, but last season was way below our expectations. We are here to win a championship.”

Vogel, who had recently won a championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, was a surprising choice for the Suns job. Many reports suggested that the Suns were leaning towards promoting assistant coach Kevin Young to the head coaching position. However, the team ultimately went with Vogel, hoping to capitalize on their recent acquisition of Kevin Durant and their championship aspirations.

Despite Vogel’s confidence in returning next season, the Suns decided to part ways with him, marking his second head coaching job loss in three years. The Suns now face a critical coaching search as they aim to build a championship-caliber team and make up for the disappointing end to their season. With limited roster changes possible due to new CBA restrictions, the Suns will have to make the most of their coaching hire to compete in the tough Western Conference next season.