Suns Fire Frank Vogel After Disappointing Playoff Exit

The Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Frank Vogel after just one season, following a disappointing first-round exit in the NBA playoffs.

The Phoenix Suns have parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel after just one season, following a disappointing four-game sweep in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Vogel was hired by the Suns in June 2023 after the team parted ways with Monty Williams. He signed a five-year deal and was expected to lead a star-studded roster featuring Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal to a deep playoff run.

However, the Suns struggled to live up to expectations under Vogel. They finished the regular season with a 49-33 record, which was good for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Vogel's firing comes as a surprise, as he had expressed confidence that he would be retained for the 2024-25 season. He had also received public support from Suns owner Matt Ishbia.

The Suns' decision to fire Vogel is likely due to a number of factors, including the team's disappointing playoff exit, Vogel's inability to get the most out of his star-studded roster, and the team's high payroll.

The Suns carry $209 million into the offseason, which is the highest payroll in the league. The team could move some key players this offseason to reduce its payroll and luxury tax bills.

ESPN reported that Mike Budenholzer, who led the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2021 NBA title, could be one of the leading candidates to replace Vogel. Budenholzer was fired by the Bucks in May 2023 after the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. He did not coach this season.

Other potential candidates for the Suns coaching job include Mark Jackson, who was recently fired by the Sacramento Kings, and Jeff Van Gundy, who is currently an analyst for ESPN.

The next Suns coach will presumably work closely with general manager James Jones and the rest of the front office to find a way to transform the team's hefty payroll into a championship contender.