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2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 18-34: Feeling the pressure

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 05: Orlando head coach Jason Kreis is seen on the sideline during a MLS soccer match between New York City FC and Orlando City SC at the Orlando City Stadium on March 5, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images) /
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Frank Vogel, Orlando Magic
MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 13: Head coach Frank Vogel of the Orlando Magic looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 13, 2017 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

19. Frank Vogel, Orlando Magic

When the Orlando Magic hired Frank Vogel, they thought they were getting a stability and a return to the style they always hoped to build. The Magic wanted to become a versatile defensive team. And in several years coaching the Indiana Pacers, Vogel delivered just that. He was a player’s coach who got his teams to play hard for him through multiple styles.

The problem was the team handed him a mismatched roster that could not quite grasp his switching and versatile defensive play. Things did not click. And the poor roster seemed to expose many of Vogel’s weaknesses — his struggles designing a dynamic offense and his stubbornness to stick with his ideas (holding onto them too long).

But there is good news for the Magic. Namely, Vogel is back. And his track record suggests he can turn things around. Now with a full training camp to implement his defensive style and install an offense that appeared to have some success last year, Vogel has the chance to help the team grow.

Not to mention, it is the first time in three years the Magic will have the same coach as the previous year (something several key players have never experienced). Stability can be good for growth too.

But the Magic were obviously disappointed with their 29-win season. Management took the blame. And the management group who hired Vogel is now gone. That immediately would seem to raise the pressure on Vogel to deliver.

Jeff Weltman is certainly going to give Vogel some time. But the two have to get a good relationship and align their philosophies quickly. It appears they will. But the proof is always in the pudding.

18. Jason Kreis, Orlando City

Like Frank Vogel and the Magic, Orlando City is also looking for some stability. Their three-year plan to go from expansion team to Playoff team has seemingly been thrown out the window, giving their new coach in Jason Kreis some time to build his kind of team. It is fairly clear some of the pieces do not quite fit Kreis’ system a year and a half into this thing.

But there is also for Kreis the other unfortunate reality: Orlando City went from one of the top teams in the league in the first two months of the season to a team that has won just twice in the last 17 games, falling out of the Playoff picture. That is a hard fall to take. And there is only so much a new stadium can give in terms of a boost.

Things have gotten so bad for Kreis and Orlando City that there are some calls for Kreis to be removed and for Orlando City to look for yet another manager. That is probably going a bit too far. There is obviously some maneuvering Orlando City will have to do. And Kreis has the experience in MLS to do it.

Still, results matter.

Orlando City has experienced plenty of good will with their arrival in MLS.  But Kreis is definitely feeling some pressure to right the ship. You can only say the team played well enough to win and could not find the goal so many times before the fingers start pointing at the manager.

Both coaches for Orlando’s major sports teams are going to have eyes on them all year.

Next: Jonathon Simmons rescued in boat from Hurricane Harvey

We will be back later today with the final part of our series ranking the top 85 figures in Central Florida sports. Be sure to put in your thoughts and who you think should make the list in the comments below!