After leading his team to the NBA eastern conference finals two years in a row, Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel has signed a multi-year extension to remain with the team. The move was reported by ESPN , and no terms of the deal have been released. The move comes after a tumultuous off-season that saw one star leave for Charlotte in Lance Stephenson, one star break his leg in horrific fashion during a scrimmage game in Paul George, both reported by The Inquisitr , and every other team in the conference get better with trades and free agent signings.
BREAKING: Head Coach Frank Vogel has signed a multi-year contract extension. http://t.co/6oBMsz8UnE pic.twitter.com/XMyUpEvRBf
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 8, 2014
The Pacers, who had the best record in the conference last year after a lighting fast start, are not the same team that first took the court last fall. The only constant seems to be Vogel, who has been the head coach since January of 2011, after taking over on an interim basis when the team fired Jim O’Brien mid-season.
With LeBron James returning to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and bringing with him an all-star player like Kevin Love, and Derrick Rose seemingly healthy in Chicago, the Pacers look to have a tough time not only in the conference, but in their own division. Indiana Pacers president Larry Bird hopes that by locking in Vogel, the team can surprise some folks and challenge, even though its best player will be on the bench for the season with a cast on his leg. Bird explained the move in a statement released by the team.
“We’re very happy to extend Frank’s contract. I believe he has done a great job, and I look forward to continuing our relationship and working together to achieve all of our goals.”
Frank Vogel’s three-plus year record with the Pacers is 147-82. He has been very vocal about wanting to remain with the team, and even told reporters in September that “I want to coach here forever.” As part of the statement released by the team and shared by CBS Sports , Vogel is happy with the new deal.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue my tenure as Pacers’ coach. It’s an honor to represent this franchise and lead this team. I look forward to the challenge ahead. I’m grateful to have had good, coachable teams along with coaching staffs that have been second to none.”
With the obstacles facing the Indiana Pacers this season, Vogel will have to coach like he’s never had to before. But the Pacers have never missed the playoffs under his guidance, and fans hold out hope that Frank Vogel can keep the ship steady and afloat while Paul George’s leg heals. They also hope that the team can return to glory sooner rather than later. Do you think the Indiana Pacers have a chance this season under Frank Vogel?
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