Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel: We're going to playoffs this year

Vogel replaces Scott Skiles to lead Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. – Saying he believes the Orlando Magic are going to win, Frank Vogel was introduced Monday as the team's new head coach.

"We're going to get in the playoffs this year," Vogel said.

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Vogel and the team agreed to a deal on Thursday, days after former head coach Scott Skiles announced his resignation. 

 

At a news conference, Vogel, 42, discussed his plans for the Magic, saying Orlando is the "perfect place for me to continue his basketball journey."

 

"The future is bright for this group," said Vogel, adding that the team has the ability to add two or three free agents this offseason.

 

"We need some tough guys who are leaders," Vogel said.

 

Vogel said the Magic will embrace the NBA's current uptempo game.

 

"We're going to play with pace ... and run the floor," Vogel said. "We are going to win."

 

Vogel, who is known as a defensive coach, said the Magic have some pieces to work with on the defensive side of the ball.

 

"I do feel like we have good athleticism and mobility," Vogel said. "We have size at the rim."

 

Vogel spent the last five-plus seasons with the Indiana Pacers. He replaces Skiles, who abruptly resigned May 12 after just one season.

 

During his tenure with the Pacers, Vogel guided them to a 250-181 record and five postseason appearances. The Pacers won two Central Division titles and made two trips to the Eastern Conference finals under Vogel.

 

Pacers director of basketball operations announced earlier this offseason that Vogel's contract would not be renewed after a first-round playoff exit in which the team took Toronto to Game 7 before being ousted.

 

Vogel said his family is looking forward to living in the Orlando area.

 

Watch News 6 and stay with ClickOrlando.com for more on this story.

 


About the Author:

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.