After Scott Skiles’ stunning resignation last week, the Magic came out big winners with Vogel, who is a considerable upgrade on all fronts.
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Frank Vogel has been part of a different coaching search after he was sacked by the Indiana Pacers.
The Orlando Magic are moving quickly in the their head-coaching search, completing interviews with the franchise’s two top targets: Frank Vogel and Adrian Griffin.
Vogel, 42, fits the profile Magic officials set for Skiles’ successor: someone who emphasizes the defensive end of the court and someone who relates well to players.
Vogel graduated from the University of Kentucky, and he became the Wildcats’ video coordinator after his senior year, thanks in large part to Wildcats assistant coach Jim O’Brien.
Associate Head Coach Nate McMillan was later announced as Vogel’s replacement.
Vogel followed O’Brien and worked as an assistant coach when O’Brien later coached the Philadelphia 76ers and Pacers. He led IN to a playoff berth IN five of his six seasons at the helm, including back-to-back conference finals appearances IN 2013-14.
The Magic had a 35-47 record this season. Bird had said he wanted the Pacers to score more points and said the Pacers needed a new voice.
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With regards to the other options for the Magic’s head coaching position, Hennigan “stopped short of saying Vogel is Orlando’s preferred candidate”. Griffin was previously an assistant under Tom Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls. Vogel is one of the most sought after free agent coaches this summer, and is reported to being considered for numerous current openings. The Magic wind up with the best coach to manage both development and short-term interests of playoff contention.
