The Golden State Warriors just made a power move. According to league sources, they’ve hired Frank Vogel—yes, that Frank Vogel—as their associate head coach to slide in next to Steve Kerr. This isn’t just any assistant hire; this is a guy who’s been the head man for four different teams over 12 seasons and has a ring to prove it. He’s the man who led LeBron and the Lakers to the 2020 title and took the Pacers to back-to-back conference finals in 2013 and 2014. Not bad for a resume.
Vogel’s most recent head coaching gig? That was in Phoenix for the 2023-24 season, a one-year stint that ended with a 49-33 record and an embarrassing first-round sweep by the Timberwolves. Ouch. But hey, we all know the NBA is a what-have-you-done-lately league, and Vogel’s last two years in Dallas—first as a consultant, then on the bench this past season—have the Warriors betting on his defensive mind.
And let’s be real, the Dubs needed a shake-up. Their coaching staff has been getting a facelift this offseason. Terry Stotts and Jerry Stackhouse—Kerr’s top two lieutenants—both walked out the door. And longtime assistant Chris DeMarco left in January to take the New York Liberty head job. That’s a lot of brain drain. Enter Vogel, who’s expected to take over the defense game-planning, an area where Stackhouse and DeMarco had been running the show.
So what’s the verdict? The Warriors are reloading with a proven winner who knows how to build a defense. If Vogel can bring that same magic to Golden State, watch out. Because when you pair a defensive mastermind with Curry and the gang, that’s a recipe for something special.