Frank Vogel now four years on the job

January 30, 2011. That’s a date Frank Vogel, nor Jim O’Brien has likely forgot.

It marked the beginning of something special for one young, budding career — and the finale for another.

For Vogel, it represents his first opportunity to lead a franchise. He came up through the ranks, through the video room, the scouting department, and down the bench as an assistant. For O’Brien, one of Vogel’s most appreciated mentors, it represents his last official day as an NBA head coach.

Jim O’Brien’s last public move as Pacers head coach.

January 30, 2011 was the date the Pacers said enough was enough, and fired O’Brien after three and a half seasons. The team was 121-169 under his guidance, and 17-27 during that 2011 campaign.

The lasting image of O’Brien, at least for me anyways, was the then-58-year-old being escorted off the court at the United Center by John Gray, the team’s Director of Security, after he was ejected in a 110-89 loss.

Coach Vogel, an encouraging, optimistic, and player’s coach helped the team to a 20-18 finish that year, and to their first playoff appearance in five seasons.

That summer, Vogel had the interim tag removed by the Pacers brass, and he brought in Brian Shaw as his associate head coach. Over the next three years, they won more than 60 percent of their games each season and participated in two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals.

On the day after, Vogel said he did give it some thought.

“It’s been a nice run,” he said. “Hopefully the next four years are even better than the last four years.”

During the current “Year of Discovery” — what I’ve labeled this season — with Paul George out and more than 163 games missed by players combined, Vogel’s Pacers are 17-31.

2010-11: 20-18
2011-12: 42-24
2012-13: 49-32
2013-14: 56-26
2014-15: 17-31

On Oct. 8, 2014, during training camp, the team signed Vogel to a multi-year contract extension.

Vogel’s overall record as head coach is 184-131 (.584). His 184 wins ranks second in Pacers NBA franchise history. He’ll surely surpass Larry Brown’s total (190) later this season.