Phoenix Suns fire head coach Frank Vogel

The Phoenix Suns have fired head coach Frank Vogel after just one season with the organization. The Suns fell well short of their goals after entering the season with championship aspirations. Phoenix finished with a 49-33 record, claiming the sixth seed in the Western Conference. They were quickly eliminated, however, suffering a four-game sweep to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN announced the move, tweeting:

ESPN Sources: The Phoenix Suns dismissed coach Frank Vogel. The Suns — who won 49 regular-season games with league’s third-highest payroll and tax — were swept in opening-round series to Timberwolves. Mike Budenholzer will be prominent part of search. pic.twitter.com/SDTRkXxkrG

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 9, 2024

Phoenix had their sights set on competing for a title after trading for Bradley Beal – to pair with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker – this offseason. Things never seemed to click, however, as they appeared to be hindered by the lack of a true point guard. The front office will have their hands full this offseason as they look to improve the roster. They remain well over the luxury tax and will have limited assets available to trade. Now, they will also need to conduct a search for their next head coach.

Frank Vogel and the Phoenix Suns front office reportedly clashed

Frank Vogel was not always on the same page as the Phoenix Suns’ front office this season. Chris Haynes of TNT reported that the head coach wanted to add a point guard. Speaking on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, the NBA insider stated:

I know Frank Vogel personally. I know he wanted a point guard on that roster, and the front office believed that bringing a point guard over would take the ball out of the hands of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant.

There had also been reports that Kevin Durant was not always happy with how he was used, taking issue with being relegated to the corner. The 14-time All-Star could play a role in Phoenix’s coaching search this offseason.

“Frank Vogel wanted a point guard on that roster, and the front office believed that bringing a point guard over would take the ball out of the hands of Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, and Kevin Durant…” – @ChrisBHaynes

“They’re bleeped.” – Dan

Chris Haynes joins the show as we… pic.twitter.com/8SKHJzxtUm

— Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz (@LeBatardShow) April 29, 2024

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