Frank Vogel is an American professional basketball coach who has coached several NBA teams including the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. He led the Lakers to an NBA championship in 2020. Vogel's coaching career began as an assistant coach for the Pacers, 76ers, and Celtics.
June 21, 1973: Frank Vogel's Birth
Frank Paul Vogel was born on this day.
December 10, 1990: House Fire
Frank Vogel's childhood home caught fire, resulting in a total loss. Vogel and his mother, the only occupants, escaped unharmed.
1991: High School Graduation
Frank Vogel graduated from Wildwood High School, completing this stage of his education.
1994: University Transfer
Frank Vogel transferred to the University of Kentucky, continuing his higher education journey.
1998: University Graduation
Frank Vogel graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in biology.
2001: Promotion to Assistant Coach
After five years as the head video coordinator for the Boston Celtics, Frank Vogel was promoted to assistant coach. This marked a significant step in his coaching career.
2002: Frank Vogel Marries Jenifer
Frank Vogel married his wife, Jenifer, in 2002. Together, they have two daughters.
2004: Previous Central Division Title
The Indiana Pacers' previous Central Division title, serving as a reference point for their recent success.
2005: Advance Scout for the Los Angeles Lakers
Frank Vogel started working as an advance scout for the Los Angeles Lakers, gaining experience in a new role within the NBA.
2006: Transition to Washington Wizards
Frank Vogel transitioned from his role with the Los Angeles Lakers to become an advance scout for the Washington Wizards, continuing to broaden his experience in the league.
2006: Indiana Pacers' Playoff Drought Ends
The Indiana Pacers, under the leadership of Frank Vogel, broke their playoff drought, marking a turning point for the franchise and highlighting Vogel's impact as a coach.
2007: Assistant Coach for the Indiana Pacers
Frank Vogel became an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers, reuniting with former colleagues and taking on a key coaching role.
2007: Advance Scout for the Washington Wizards
Frank Vogel continued in his role as an advance scout for the Washington Wizards, further developing his expertise in scouting and game analysis.
January 30, 2011: Interim Head Coach of the Indiana Pacers
Frank Vogel was named the interim head coach of the Indiana Pacers after the firing of Jim O'Brien. Vogel successfully led the team to the playoffs for the first time since 2006, demonstrating his coaching capabilities.
July 6, 2011: Head Coach of the Indiana Pacers
Following his successful stint as interim coach, Frank Vogel was officially named the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, solidifying his leadership role with the team.
2012: Flopping Controversy
Frank Vogel was fined $15,000 by the NBA for publicly criticizing the Miami Heat for alleged flopping during the Eastern Conference semifinals. This incident sparked controversy and highlighted Vogel's outspoken nature.
2012: Conclusion of the Regular Season
The Indiana Pacers concluded the 2012-2013 regular season with a 49-32 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
April 7, 2013: Central Division Title
The Indiana Pacers, under Frank Vogel's leadership, clinched their first Central Division title since 2004. This achievement marked a significant step forward for the team and underscored Vogel's coaching prowess.
January 14, 2014: Eastern Conference All-Star Game Coach
Frank Vogel was named the head coach for the Eastern Conference team in the 2014 NBA All-Star Game. This honor recognized Vogel's coaching excellence and the Indiana Pacers' strong performance.
May 5, 2016: Departure from the Indiana Pacers
Frank Vogel's contract with the Indiana Pacers was not renewed, ending his tenure as the franchise's all-time leader in NBA wins. This decision marked a significant turning point in Vogel's career and for the Pacers organization.
May 20, 2016: Head Coach of the Orlando Magic
Frank Vogel was appointed the head coach of the Orlando Magic, embarking on a new chapter in his coaching career with a team focused on development.
2016: Contract Extension and Playoff Runs
Frank Vogel signed a two-year contract extension with the Indiana Pacers. Despite missing the playoffs in a season marred by Paul George's injury, Vogel led the team back to the playoffs the following season, demonstrating his coaching consistency and ability to adapt to challenges.
2017: Conclusion of the First Season with the Orlando Magic
Frank Vogel completed his first season with the Orlando Magic, navigating the challenges of leading a young and developing team. This season also saw changes in the front office, adding another layer of complexity to Vogel's role.
April 12, 2018: Departure from the Orlando Magic
Frank Vogel was fired by the Orlando Magic after two seasons, concluding his time with the team.
May 13, 2019: Frank Vogel Hired as Head Coach of Los Angeles Lakers
Frank Vogel was appointed as the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, marking the beginning of his tenure with the team.
2020: NBA Championship with the Los Angeles Lakers
Frank Vogel led the Los Angeles Lakers to an NBA championship, marking a significant career milestone.
2020: Los Angeles Lakers Win NBA Championship Under Vogel's Leadership
In his first season as head coach, Frank Vogel guided the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 52-19 record, securing the top seed in the Western Conference and the third-best record in the league. Vogel's emphasis on defense transformed the Lakers into one of the league's top defensive teams. He was also recognized as a head coach for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game due to the Lakers' impressive record. In the playoffs, the Lakers triumphed over the Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets, and Denver Nuggets in consecutive five-game series. The 2020 NBA Finals saw the Lakers defeat the Miami Heat in six games, clinching the franchise's 17th NBA title, equaling the Boston Celtics' record for most championships. This victory took place during the NBA bubble, where the team spent over 100 days after the season resumed following a four-month suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021: Los Angeles Lakers Struggle Despite High Expectations
The Los Angeles Lakers entered the 2021-22 season with high hopes of contending for the championship after trading for Russell Westbrook. However, injuries to key players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis hampered the team's performance, leading to inconsistent lineups. Frank Vogel employed 41 different starting lineups throughout the season as the Lakers struggled to find their rhythm. Ultimately, the team fell short of expectations, finishing 11th in the Western Conference with a 33-49 record and missing the playoffs.
April 11, 2022: Frank Vogel Fired as Head Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers
Despite high expectations following the acquisition of Russell Westbrook, the Los Angeles Lakers struggled in the 2021-22 season, finishing with a disappointing 33-49 record and missing the playoffs. Consequently, Frank Vogel was relieved of his coaching duties on April 11, 2022, after three seasons with the team, during which he achieved a 127-98 record.
June 6, 2023: Frank Vogel Hired as Head Coach of the Phoenix Suns
Frank Vogel returned to coaching after a year away, being appointed as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns on June 6, 2023. This marked a new chapter in his coaching career.
May 9, 2024: Frank Vogel Fired by the Phoenix Suns After One Season
Despite leading the Suns to a 49-33 record and a playoff berth as the No. 6 seed, Frank Vogel was fired after just one season with the team on May 9, 2024. The Suns' first-round sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves likely contributed to the decision.