Frank Vogel is an American basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has previously served as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic, and is widely recognized for leading the Pacers to two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014.
Before being hired as head coach of the Pacers in 2011, Vogel had a long and successful coaching career. He has been in the NBA for over two decades, starting as an unpaid video coordinator for the Los Angeles Lakers in the late 1990s.
In this article, we will take a look at Vogel’s coaching career prior to his appointment as head coach of the Pacers. We’ll delve into the various teams and roles he has held, and how he has developed as a coach throughout the years.
Early Career in the NBA
Frank Vogel’s career in the NBA began in the late 1990s when he served as an unpaid video coordinator for the Los Angeles Lakers. During this time, he was responsible for breaking down film and creating scouting reports for the team.
In 2001, Vogel was hired as an assistant coach by the Boston Celtics. He spent four seasons with the Celtics, helping to lead them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2002 and the NBA Finals in 2004.
Following his time with the Celtics, Vogel was hired as an assistant coach for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2004. He spent two seasons with the 76ers, helping to guide the team to the playoffs in 2005.
Return to the Lakers
In 2006, Vogel returned to the Los Angeles Lakers as an assistant coach. He spent three seasons with the Lakers, helping them win two NBA championships in 2009 and 2010.
During his time with the Lakers, Vogel was credited with helping the team to develop their defensive strategies and game plans. He was also instrumental in the development of several players, including Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher.
Assistant Coach with the Pacers
In 2011, Vogel was hired as an assistant coach for the Indiana Pacers. He worked under head coach Jim O’Brien, and was instrumental in helping the Pacers to reach the playoffs in his first season.
In 2011–12, Vogel was promoted to associate head coach. He continued to serve in this role until 2013, when he was promoted to head coach following the resignation of O’Brien.
Head Coach of the Pacers
In 2013, Vogel was named head coach of the Indiana Pacers. He led the team to the playoffs in each of his first four seasons, and guided them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014.
During his tenure with the Pacers, Vogel was credited with turning the team into one of the top defensive teams in the NBA. He also developed several players, including Paul George and Lance Stephenson.
Head Coach of the Magic
In 2016, Vogel was hired as head coach of the Orlando Magic. He spent two seasons with the Magic, helping them to reach the playoffs in 2018.
During his time with the Magic, Vogel was credited with improving the team’s defensive performance. He also developed several young players, including Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac.
Return to the Lakers
In 2019, Vogel was hired as head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. He is currently in his second season with the Lakers, and has led the team to the NBA Finals in 2020.
Vogel’s Coaching Style
Throughout his coaching career, Frank Vogel has developed a reputation as a defensive-minded coach. He is known for emphasizing defensive fundamentals, and for developing strategies that focus on shutting down the opponent’s best players.
Vogel’s Impact on the NBA
Frank Vogel has had a significant impact on the NBA throughout his career. He has helped to develop several star players, and has been a major factor in the success of several teams.
Vogel has also been credited with helping to popularize defensive-minded coaching in the NBA. His strategies and approaches to the game have been implemented by several other coaches, and have been used to great effect by teams such as the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs.
Conclusion
Frank Vogel has had a long and successful coaching career in the NBA. He began his career as an unpaid video coordinator for the Los Angeles Lakers in the late 1990s, and has since held a number of roles with various teams.
Vogel has been the head coach of the Indiana Pacers and the Orlando Magic, and is currently the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. He is widely recognized for his defensive-minded approach to the game, and has had a significant impact on the NBA throughout his career.