What Happened to Frank Vogel? Tracing the Former Lakers Coach’s Journey

A Sudden Exit: Frank Vogel’s Disappearance from the NBA Spotlight

Frank Vogel, once celebrated as the head coach who helped the Los Angeles Lakers capture an NBA championship, has faded from the public eye since his dismissal in April 2022. Following the end of his tenure in Los Angeles, the usually visible Vogel took a step back, leaving fans and analysts curious about his whereabouts and next professional steps.

His post-Lakers absence from interviews, press conferences, and social media sparked speculation, prompting many to wonder what became of the coach whose name had become synonymous with high-profile NBA games.

Sightings and Silence: Vogel After Leaving Los Angeles

Since his departure in April 2022, Frank Vogel has mostly avoided the limelight. He has maintained a low digital profile, with no active social media presence or recent media appearances since his last postgame remarks following the Lakers’ overtime victory against the Denver Nuggets on April 10, 2022. That nail-biting win ultimately became his final duty as Lakers coach; he was let go the very next day.

For those concerned about his well-being, there’s reassurance. Vogel was spotted observing a Dallas Mavericks training session in September 2022. His presence suggested he remains closely connected to the world of professional basketball, likely as a guest of friend and Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd, who was previously an assistant on Vogel’s Lakers staff.

Vogel’s enduring passion for basketball is evident. Even after a turbulent final season in LA, he continues to stay in touch with the sport through such behind-the-scenes appearances.

Frank Vogel’s NBA Coaching Career: Key Roles and Achievements

Frank Vogel’s journey through the NBA has spanned over two decades, transitioning from behind-the-scenes roles to one of the most coveted head coaching jobs in basketball. Before his highly scrutinized Lakers role, Vogel built an impressive resume across several franchises.

• Boston Celtics – Video Coordinator (1997–2001)
• Boston Celtics – Assistant Coach (2001–2004)
• Philadelphia 76ers – Assistant Coach (2004–2005)
• Los Angeles Lakers – Advance Scout (2005–2006)
• Washington Wizards – Advance Scout (2006–2007)
• Indiana Pacers – Assistant Coach (2007–2011)
• Indiana Pacers – Head Coach (2011–2016): Led the team to the playoffs five times in six years, including two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals (2013, 2014). Named NBA All-Star Game head coach in 2014.
• Orlando Magic – Head Coach (2016–2018)
• Los Angeles Lakers – Head Coach (2019–2022): Captured the NBA Championship in his first season, finishing the regular season with a 52-19 record. Named NBA All-Star Game head coach again in 2020.

Throughout his career, Vogel became known for defensive strategy and his ability to guide talented, sometimes veteran-heavy rosters deep into the playoffs.

The Tumultuous End: Why the Lakers Let Frank Vogel Go

Image: Twitter/DrGuru_

Coaching at one of the NBA’s most high-pressure franchises, Vogel’s job constantly depended on results—and in the 2021-22 season, those results fell far short of expectations. Following their 2020 championship, the Lakers retooled their roster by acquiring superstar Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards and signing veteran Carmelo Anthony. Hopes were high that this experienced roster could contend for another title.

However, the new lineup struggled to find chemistry on court. The first half of the season was inconsistent, but the Lakers managed to remain in playoff contention until the start of 2022. A string of injuries, notably to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, dealt crushing blows to their momentum. The team faltered in the critical months between January and April, winning just 10 games and enduring multiple losing streaks, including an eight-game skid that ultimately cost them a postseason berth.

The Lakers’ playoff elimination, particularly after a lopsided loss to the Phoenix Suns, sealed Vogel’s fate. The team officially announced his departure a day after the season ended—an outcome described by some media outlets as the most disappointing Lakers season ever.

While Vogel shouldered much of the blame, many analysts argued that the roster’s lack of balance and the decision to trade for Westbrook at the expense of key role players contributed to the downfall. There was widespread belief that forcing Westbrook to share playmaking duties with LeBron James was a tactical misstep and, perhaps, a major reason Vogel’s championship run ended on a sour note.

Frank Vogel’s Life After Coaching: Where Is He Today?

Since being seen at the Mavericks’ workout in September 2022, Frank Vogel has kept an even lower profile, with no official updates on his next coaching move or basketball-related activities. Although the Lakers’ dismissal was abrupt, there’s every indication that Vogel remains financially secure. Reports suggest his salary during previous tenures, such as with the Orlando Magic, exceeded $5 million annually, and his Lakers contract likely matched or surpassed that figure.

Vogel is thought to be enjoying downtime with his wife, Jenifer, at their Manhattan Beach residence valued at $5 million. Whether or not he returns to professional basketball remains uncertain, and after the rigors of coaching in the NBA’s biggest market, few would fault him for taking a well-earned break from the spotlight.

Lead image: Twitter/Ramsay3134