NBA: Pacers sign coach Frank Vogel to multi-year extension

INDIANAPOLIS – Frank Vogel signed a multiyear contract extension Wednesday to remain as coach of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, having guided the team to the Eastern Conference finals the past two seasons.

 

The Pacers went 56-26 last season under Vogel, winning the Central division crown for the second year in a row and moving one step from the NBA Finals before being ousted from the playoffs by the Miami Heat for the second year in a row.

 

“We’re very happy to extend Frank’s contract,” Pacers basketball operations president Larry Bird said. “He has done a great job, and I look forward to continuing our relationship and working together to achieve all of our goals.”

 

No details were given regarding the length or salary for Vogel, 41, but the move eliminates a potential distraction as he would have entered the final year of his contract when the 2014-15 campaign begins in three weeks.

 

Vogel is approaching his fourth full season guiding the Pacers. He took over on an interim basis in January of 2011 and has a record of 147-82 since being handed the job fully in July of 2011.

 

“I’m excited for the opportunity to continue my tenure as Pacers’ coach,” Vogel said. “It’s an honor to represent this franchise and lead this team. I look forward to the challenge ahead.”

 

The Pacers lost two key players from last season, with Paul George sidelined by a broken leg suffered in an exhibition game with the US world championships team and Lance Stephenson having signed with the Charlotte Hornets in the offseason.

 

The Pacers open the season October 29 against Philadelphia. — Agence France-Presse