From John Poulsen via Facebook
"Have a question.Far as the job security of Frank Vogel if you had to take a guess you think there is a 50/50 chance he comes back next year or would you not be surprised to see a coaching change?"
The rumors of coach Frank Vogel’s job security at this point are not surprising. There is no getting around this when a team has underperformed this much. Orlando has to examine every aspect of its franchise. The team has to be ready to make a move if it feels it is not going in the right direction.
It is no surprise rumors have popped up saying the Magic are ready to move on. Especially considering the new management group did not hire Vogel to begin with. At some point, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman will want to get his staff in.
This year was as much about evaluating Vogel and the direction he was taking the team as much as it was evaluating the roster.
Whenever there are rumors from reputable sources… there has to be some fire. And at least some people are willing to connect a few dots. I have been hearing these rumors since at least December. That is what happens when things go off the rails.
But I am not convinced Vogel is on his way out. By all indications, the relationship between Vogel and management is fine. Everyone seems to know the situation here is a roster problem. The Magic have cycled through so many coaches over the years that a bit of consistency should help them.
Then again, the Magic probably have to consider tearing the whole thing down and starting over completely. And that would mean moving on from Vogel.
Orlando Magic
I do not think that is the direction they will go. I think Vogel has some undoubted flaws as a coach. But overall, he has done good things building up this roster and establishing a development culture.
We know he can teach defense and individuals have seen defensive improvement. He just needs a roster that can deliver and grow.
This roster has gone stale and hit its ceiling as a group. And everyone seems to know it.
I think most of the blame for the last two years go on the roster more than the coach. And so I think the Magic should not be ready to move off their course. Keeping the same man in charge should help grow the roster through continuity. It helped at the beginning of this season, right?
Nothing would surprise me at this point. Everything is up in the air with this roster. And that includes its coach.
But I would stick with Vogel. Putting a bit more expectation to see the team take some tangible steps next year.
Next: Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: What's left to do
Thanks everyone for your questions. I really cleaned out the mailbag this time! Be sure to join us for our next Mailbag next month (probably around the All-Star Break) as we recap the trade deadline and look ahead to the Draft!
You can always send me your questions on Twitter @omagicdaily or e-mail them to me at omagicdaily@gmail.com!