The Phoenix Suns on Thursday announced the firing of head coach Frank Vogel after just one season on the job.
Vogel led the Suns to a 49-33 record, which gave them the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The team got swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves, which led to frustration for the team’s front office.
The firing of Vogel has also led many media personalities to say the same thing: the head coach was made the scapegoat for the Suns’ first-round exit. Most comments noted that the Suns were ill-suited to win a championship anyway, and highlighted that at least Vogel will be paid out on his contract despite being fired.
It was all Frank Vogel’s fault! No point guard, no rim protection, and a 50m new piece who missed 1/3 of the season like he always does and then CRATERED in the playoffs. Oh and no bench cuz they traded everything for 2 guys. And ran against the best D in 20 years. #blamevogel
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 9, 2024
Yep, definitely was Frank Vogel's fault.
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) May 9, 2024
On one hand, I feel bad for Frank Vogel. No coach was winning with that team.
On the other hand, $24 million to not work? Guy just hit the jackpot! https://t.co/BFREWUYCvy
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) May 9, 2024
Frank Vogel won a championship less than four years ago and has been fired twice since.
I feel bad for Frank, the coach, who has now twice been scapegoated for front office failures.
But at least Frank, the person, got the bag from Ishbia for one year of work. https://t.co/IMTGM32zwt
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) May 9, 2024
How can you watch what the Wolves are doing to the Nuggets and think Vogel was the problem in Phoenix? https://t.co/qbTxIAg38j
— Raheem Palmer (@iamrahstradamus) May 9, 2024
On one hand blaming Vogel is silly, on the other, being a fired coach with years left on the deal is a pretty sweet gig. https://t.co/D2CtQeoc0E
— Anchorage Man (@SethPartnow) May 9, 2024
Can’t win a title with 3 ball dominant players.
Also, KD nor Booker will ever be the leader on a championship team.
Frank Vogel used as the punching bag in this situation. pic.twitter.com/Qi4Tt2ZUL7
— Brandon Blanco (@BrandonBlancoFF) May 9, 2024
Vogel signed a 5-year, $31 million deal with the Suns, so he still is owed over $24 million. That’s not a bad consolation prize for being made the scapegoat.
Vogel led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA championship in 2020. He haas been fired by two teams since then.
