2. Frank Vogel
The Los Angeles Lakers are a difficult team to be a head coach for. You are always under immense pressure to win and that will be heightened even more for new head coach, Frank Vogel.
Vogel is entering a peculiar situation. He wasn’t atop the organization’s wish list for head coaches, as they wanted Monty Williams and Tyronn Lue. Williams joined the Phoenix Suns and Lue turned down the team’s offer, which he was insulted by. Vogel accepted those parameters, which is part of the reason he is under pressure.
Jason Kidd was forced onto the staff by the Lakers. Lue wanted to choose his own staff and bristled at having Kidd, someone who also interviewed for the job, on his staff. If Vogel struggles at any point, you can be sure people will be calling for Kidd to take over.
Vogel’s contract is also for three years, another thing Lue wasn’t happy about. Essentially, his deal runs with LeBron James’. So, the pressure is on to win and win early and often. We have seen coaching staffs overhauled when James moves on, so if Vogel wants this job for the long-term, he will have to produce results.
Vogel did not find much success during his tenure with the Orlando Magic. He lasted only two years there, as new management wanted their own guy. This Lakers job presents an opportunity for Vogel to re-establish himself as one of the premier defensive minds in the league.
It will be a major challenge for Vogel. Coaching LeBron James is a difficult task that not everyone can handle. We will see if Vogel is up for it.