Suns turn to former Lakers coach Vogel

The Phoenix Suns hired former NBA champion coach Frank Vogel on Friday to replace Monty Williams, multiple source reported.

Vogel, 49, has been the coach of the Lakers, Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic during his career and now moves to the Suns, where he'll try to help the franchise win its first title in its 55-year history with a roster that includes stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Chris Paul.

Vogel led the Lakers to an NBA title in 2020 when the league finished its season in the Florida bubble. He has a 431-389 career record over 11 seasons and a 49-39 mark in the playoffs.

Phoenix fired Williams on May 13 despite four successful seasons, including an NBA Finals appearance in 2021 and a coach of the year award in 2022. But the Suns also experienced two straight embarrassing playoff exits — trailing by 30 points at halftime of elimination games at home.

The Suns were tied to several candidates during their nearly three-week search, including assistant Kevin Young and bigger names like Nick Nurse and Doc Rivers. Friday, they settled on Vogel, who is known for his defensive acumen.

He's also well-versed in coaching star players, helping LeBron James to his most recent title.

New Suns owner Mat Ishbia hasn't been shy about shaking up the franchise since he took over in February, adding the 13time All-Star Durant in a blockbuster trade deadline deal. Despite the bold move, the Suns lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Denver Nuggets.

Now Ishbia has overseen a coaching change and it remains to be seen how aggressive the front office will be in reshaping the roster. The assumption is that Booker — a three-time AllStar who averaged nearly 36 points per game in a brilliant postseason performance — and Durant will be back. The rest of the roster is in flux.