Phoenix Suns introduce Frank Vogel as next head coach

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — Four days after news broke that the Phoenix Suns were finalizing a deal to hire Frank Vogel as its next head coach, the team made it official Tuesday morning. The Suns officially welcomed Vogel in an introductory press conference Tuesday afternoon.

“It is an honor to be named head coach of the Phoenix Suns,” Vogel said in a news release about the hire. “The Suns are a first-class organization, and I am grateful for Mat Ishbia and James Jones to have this opportunity. This is a highly talented team that is committed to winning, and I am excited to get to work.”

Vogel has 11 years of experience as a head coach with the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic and most recently, the Los Angeles Lakers. He coached the Lakers to an NBA championship win in 2020. Given the talent that Vogel is dealt with, the organization and fans are eager for Vogel’s tenure to begin.

“We are thrilled to welcome Frank Vogel to the Phoenix Suns as our new head coach,” Owner Mat Ishbia said in the press release. “This is an important day for our organization as we continue to build a championship culture on and off the floor. Frank is an accomplished coach who understands how to win an NBA championship, which is our priority. Frank brings incredible character and work ethic, making him the ideal leader to continue to build one of the best organizations in all of sports.”

Vogel replaces Monty Williams, who was dismissed last month after the Suns were eliminated from the playoffs in an embarrassing blowout loss at home to the Denver Nuggets during the Western Conference Semifinals. The team had a similar exit in the 2022 playoffs vs. the Dallas Mavericks.

“We are very close, a lot of things have to go our way,” Vogel said. “The foundation is in place, we got to make some moves around the edges, we got to put in the work. Togetherness as to be achieved to be a championship team and I believe we can do it.”

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