Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan has confirmed that the team will “reach out” to Frank Vogel as a candidate to fill their head coaching vacancy, according to the Orlando Sentinel. The position was surprisingly opened earlier this week when Scott Skiles stepped down from his role after one season.
Vogel, meanwhile, is also a surprising coach on the free agent market after his contract was not renewed by the Indiana Pacers at the conclusion of the regular season. The former Pacers’ lead-man is arguably the best coach left on the market and his defense-first approach could be huge for a young team like the Magic.
Orlando will likely reach out to other candidates and Patrick Ewing seems like a potential candidate as he has ties with the team as a former player and assistant coach.
The Magic had a somewhat disappointing season last year as they were considered a potential contender for the eighth seed in the East. Despite starting the season strong, they found themselves near the bottom of the East standings once again.
Hiring Vogel could be a great move to get a young roster ready to win and they would surely be a popular pick for the eight seed with him as their lead man. He has done wonders before with young players as the likes of Lance Stephenson, Solomon Hill, and Myles Turner have thrived under his watch. Perhaps he can replicate a similarly great defensive team in Orlando and lead the team to the playoffs for the first time since Dwight Howard left.
The Magic will surely look at other candidates as well but Vogel seems to be the clear front-runner as shown by Hennigan’s willingness to confirm their interest in him. It matters whether or not there is mutual interest as the Grizzlies, Rockets, and maybe the Knicks are all looking for a head coach as well.
However, as it stands now, Frank Vogel seems like a great pick for the Magic if they can lure him to Orlando.
