In an offseason that promised change, the Magic did not wait long.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN is reporting that the Orlando Magic have fired Frank Vogel.
Orlando has fired coach Frank Vogel, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 12, 2018
In two seasons as coach of the Magic, Vogel went 54-110. Expected to compete for a playoff spot when the season began, the Magic finished at 25-57 for the fifth worst record in the league during an injury-riddled season.
Some argue that Vogel has not been given a roster capable of competing and establishing the defensive identity he created while coaching the Indiana Pacers.
Vogel, who had one year remaining on his contract plus a team option for 2019-2020, promised to modernize the Magic offense, and did so in some ways with Orlando setting franchise records this season for most three-pointers attempted and made. Expected to improve thanks to the coaching stability in Vogel’s second season, the Magic jumped out to an 8-4 start behind hot shooting that proved unsustainable.
The Magic finished the season with an offensive rating of 102.8, which was sixth worst in the league, and a defensive rating of 107.7, which tied for 11th worst in the league.
But Vogel’s uncertain future has been debated throughout the season, knowing that he was not hand picked by current Magic decision makers, Jeff Weltman and John Hammond. Rumor spread earlier this season that the Magic considered Raptors’ G League coach Jerry Stackhouse to be their top choice to replace Vogel.
With another season of roster turnover expected, considering the unknown futures of Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic and Mario Hezonja, the move allows the Magic to select a coach that fits into the system they hope to build, whatever that may be exactly.
So, the hiring process begins once again for the Magic, who have now had three coaches at the helm (excluding interim coach James Borrego in 2015) since parting ways with Stan Van Gundy in 2012: Jacque Vaughn (58-158 from 2012 to 2015), Scott Skilies (35-47 in 2015-2016) and Vogel.
Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports that replacement options could also include former Magic guard Monty Williams, former Grizzlies coach David Fizdale and, if the Hornets part ways, former Magic assistant Steve Cliffford.
Keith Smith of RealGM reported that the Magic also cleaned house with their assistant coaches.
All three of Forcier, Hernandez and Williamson will be hired quickly to help fill out staffs around the NBA. All are respected assistants, especially Forcier who was an assistant in San Antonio before coming to Orlando. He'll be in hot demand.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) April 12, 2018
The next Magic coach faces another long rebuilding process, which will likely be anchored by Jonathan Isaac, Gordon if management opts to match whatever offer he receives as a restricted free agent, and whomever the Magic select with their first round pick in the upcoming draft.
What are your thoughts on the firing? Did Vogel deserve to get canned or did he deserve another season?