Indiana Pacers appoints Frank Vogel as their new head coach - NBA Update
After a wait of more than a month, the Indiana Pacers have removed the tag of interim from the 38 year old Frank Vogel and have officially announced him as the head coach of the team.
On Wednesday at the Conseco Field house, the President of the Basketball Operation Larry Bird made his decision official and handed the responsibilities of the head coaching position to Frank, who has always been the most favourite
contender since the play-offs ended. Making the announcement, Bird said.
"As I stated after the season, I was in no hurry regarding the coach, mainly because I knew I had a good candidate in Frank. But we wanted to get through the draft, and I wanted to have numerous conversations with Frank about a
staff that will cover all areas. I feel strongly he is doing that and this coaching staff, as a whole, will help this franchise continue to move forward."
Vogel became quite famous among the players and the fans after leading the Pacers towards their first play-off trip since 2006 during his half-season of provisional coaching. After the appointment was confirmed, Vogel stated that
he was pretty sure about the decision as the management of Indiana Pacers never indicated that he was not going to be hired as a coach after a successful stint.
The Pacers parted ways with the 59 year old Jim O’Brien in the middle of the last season when he failed to guide his team to the play-offs in three years and the assistant Vogel was appointed in his place. Frank, who served as
an assistant from 2007-2011for Indiana, marshalled the team in the crunch time and gathered 20 wins with the team to cement their spot in the top 8 in the Eastern Conference.
Vogel stated that he was not worried about the interim tag when the Indiana Pacers nominated him to carry the responsibilities."Once I took over, I really didn't have time to think about big-picture stuff. I was just trying to
win the next day and make sure I was prepared the next day."
Frank is going to coach a young but talented team which carries the potential to become one of the best in the top heavy Eastern Conference. In the 38 games, he has coached so far, he introduced the up tempo style of offensive
play that was based on attacking the rim rather than the laid back approach of his predecessor that circled more around shooting prowess. The players seemed to like Vogel’s approach and the results were immediate.
Now, with all the reins in his hand, he and his Indiana Pacers are all set to enter a new era.
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