Kofi Inkoom
A decision regarding the future of Suns head coach Frank Vogel is expected to be made on Monday or Tuesday, according to Suns Insider FlexFromJersey.
I’d expect some news on Frank Vogel sometime tomorrow or Tuesday! Suns leadership has spent several days having their internal conversations.
— FLEX From Jersey (@FlexFromJersey) May 6, 2024
Owner Mat Ishbia refrained from expressing explicit support for Vogel during a press conference on May 1st at Footprint Center. He emphasized that rumors about Vogel should not be given credence because face-to-face discussions have not yet commenced.
“We’re going to evaluate everything,” Ishbia told reporters. “… Everything is on the table to evaluate. We have just not started it.”
However, it seems that Vogel’s fate as Suns head coach has already been decided, but the official announcement will be made available to the media on Monday or Tuesday, as per Flex.
Vogel, who was brought on board last June, still has four seasons remaining on his five-year, $31MM contract, making a coaching change a costly decision.
Vogel asserted last weekend that he enjoys “full confidence” from Ishbia, but the Suns’ disappointing performance during their sweep by Minnesota may have altered the team owner’s perspective.
General manager James Jones, also addressing reporters, acknowledged that management recognizes Vogel faced a tough task in integrating the superstar trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, who were in their first full season together.
After a rollercoaster start, the Suns concluded the season with a strong push, securing a playoff spot with a win on the final day of the regular season.
Despite finishing with a 49-33 record and showing signs of progress, their playoff performance was disappointing. While the Suns are unlikely to immediately consider breaking up their superstar core, Vogel may be on the chopping block.
NBA insider Shams Charania discussed the possibility of Vogel’s tenure in Phoenix ending after just one season. Given the Suns’ narrow championship window, patience with the coaching staff may be limited.
“Sources tell me the Suns will consider a coaching change…I’m told Kevin Durant had real issues with the offense, the way it was ran, him feeling like he was relegated to being in the corner,” Charania said via Run It Back FDTV