During the national telecast of the NBA Playoffs between Oklahoma City and San Antonio, ESPN’s two in-game analysts discussed the current coaching situation with the Pacers.
In the third quarter, former NBA head coaches Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson weighed in on Pacers President Larry Bird’s decision not to renew Frank Vogel’s contract as Pacers head coach. The move was made public Thursday morning at a press conference.
[See Also: Read Frank Vogel’s statement]
“Frank Vogel got his contract not renewed. I completely disagreed with that decision,” Van Gundy said. “The rationale that Larry Bird gave, that all good coaches have to leave after three years, was absurd. And, the way it was delivered on the phone, to me, instead of doing it in person with Frank Vogel, is disrespectful to the greatness that he brought to the Indiana Pacers.”
“A quality man and an outstanding coach,” Jackson, who played for the Pacers from 1994-96 and 1997-2000, added. “Had tremendous successful in that organization. I’m sure he is going to be just fine. I couldn’t agree with you more.”