After being swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, the Phoenix Suns will take a hard look at making a full coaching change or, at the very least, discuss adjustments to coach Frank Vogel’s staff, sources briefed on the situation told The Athletic.
The potential changes regarding Vogel or his staff come less than one year after Vogel was brought into Phoenix. Suns owner Mat Ishbia hired Vogel on a five-year, $31 million deal to replace Monty Williams after the Suns lost in the Western Conference semifinals in 2023.
Vogel’s first year with the Suns came with heightened expectations as Phoenix entered its first full season with Kevin Durant flanked by All-Star teammates Devin Booker and newly-acquired Bradley Beal.
But Phoenix struggled with health and consistency all season, finishing the regular season 49-33.
Beyond Vogel, general manager James Jones is expected to continue overseeing team-building for the Suns, according to sources.
Vogel’s top assistant, Kevin Young, was hired by BYU earlier this month to become the Cougars head coach. Young, who is the highest-paid assistant coach in the NBA, stayed with Phoenix through the playoffs. Other notable assistant coaches include David Fizdale, who was previously head coach of the New York Knicks and Memphis Grizzlies, and John Lucas III.
Vogel was hired by Phoenix in June 2023 after spending three years coaching the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won a title in 2020 in his first year. He was fired in 2022 after failing to make the playoffs. He previously coached the Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers.
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