Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird announced on Thursday that Frank Vogel will not return as the team’s head coach next season.
It was easy to see the move coming after Bird stopped short of publicly supporting Vogel in the wake of Indiana’s seven-game loss to the Toronto Raptors in the opening round of the playoffs. Vogel’s contract is expiring and the Pacers had not discussed an extension.
Interestingly enough, Kevin McHale has reportedly withdrawn his name from consideration for the Sacramento Kings head coaching job. However, Bird says he would not ask McHale to work for him.
Larry Bird dismisses idea that Kevin McHale would coach #Pacers, says he "I would not do that to Kevin," wouldn't ask McHale to work for him
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) May 5, 2016
McHale and Bird have a history together, having won three NBA championships while playing for the Boston Celtics in the 1980s.
Vogel could now become an intriguing option for the New York Knicks. While there have been rumblings that Phil Jackson has already made up his mind about who his next head coach will be, that was before Vogel became available. As we explained earlier this week, Vogel could be a fit in The Big Apple.
Photo: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
