On April 29, Beijing time, according to a report by Woj, Suns head coach Vogel's position is already in jeopardy. Woj said on the show that after falling behind the Timberwolves 0-3 in the first round, the Suns management seems to be ready to reshuffle the coaching team, unless Vogel can lead the team to complete a magical comeback and advance to the second round. The team that has fallen behind 0-3 in history has never come back from behind.
"There is a growing belief in the league that Frank Vogel's job is in jeopardy if he loses this series," Woj said, "especially since they could be swept out of the tournament and the team's performance in Game 3 looks hopeless." When you have such a high payroll, it inevitably brings with it the expectation that you will not only perform better in the first round, but also be able to beat the first round. ”
"Last year's 4-2 loss to the Denver Nuggets in the second round cost [former head coach] Monty Williams his job," Woj continued. "You look at the owner, Matt Ishbia, and during his short tenure as owner, the team quickly changed like crazy. Vogel's work may now be in jeopardy. ”
The 50-year-old took over as Suns head coach last summer and signed a five-year, $31 million contract. Vogel led the team to a 49-33 record in the regular season, finishing sixth in the West. Currently, Vogel is 480-422 in the regular season and 53.8 percent in the playoffs. Prior to coaching the Suns, he served as head coach for the Pacers, Magic, and Lakers, leading the Lakers to championship championships in the 2019-20 season.
In February 2023, Ishbia bought NBA team Suns and WNBA team Mercury from Sarver for a record $4 billion. The Suns have built a triumvirate led by Durant, Booker, and Beal this season, with a total salary of $208.9 million and a total expenditure of $328.6 million with the luxury tax. Such an expenditure, if it is out of the first round, is what the Suns' top management does not want to see. The Suns may make changes to the roster, but they are more likely to fire the head coach first. After losing G3 at home, Ishbia left the stadium gloomily, with fans shouting: "Fire Vogel!"