Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel's job reportedly depends on the 2014 NBA playoffs. The report of Vogel "coaching for his job" follows a poor finish to the regular season and Pacers president Larry Bird admitting he's unhappy with Vogel's coaching style.
Vogel's job security hinges on Indiana's success in the playoffs, according to ESPN's Marc Stein.
"Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com that Vogel, despite a 56-win season that secured the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, is 'coaching for his job' in the wake of Indiana's alarming slide that has stretched into its third month," Stein wrote on Wednesday.
Stein noted "frustration through the organization has been mounting," but the decision on Vogel's fate ultimately rests with Bird.
Remarks Bird made in March don't bode well for Vogel's future with the team. Bird indicated he was at times unhappy with the way Vogel coached the team.
"I'm sort of going to Frank's side because he's had so much success by staying positive," Bird told the Indianapolis Star on March 11. "We do have to stay the course. But I also think he's got to start going after guys when they're not doing what they're supposed to do. And stay on them, whether you've got to take them out of the game when they're not doing what they're supposed to do or limit their minutes. I will say, he hasn't done that enough."
Indiana's season began to spiral in February when Bird traded veteran Danny Granger. The loss of Granger seemingly robbed the locker room of their stabilizing force, because since then reports have emerged indicating friction amongst the team.
Pacers center Roy Hibbert called his teammates "selfish," and forward Lance Stephenson reportedly has been in two altercations with teammates. Stephenson got into a fight with swingman Evan Turner during practice before Game 1 against Atlanta, and Stephenson had to be separated on the bench from guard George Hill during March 31's blowout against San Antonio, according to ESPN.
Indiana tied the series 1-1 on Monday with a 101-85 against Atlanta. They play Game 3 on Thursday.
