A week after announcing their divorce from head coach Frank Vogel, the Indiana Pacers appear to be set to make Nate McMillan their new head coach, according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears.
The announcement came late last night, and a deal could be in place as early as the top half of the upcoming week. Vogel, who took over the team in the middle of the 2010-2011 season, led the Pacers to three playoff appearances in four years, including two consecutive Eastern Conference Finals (their efforts to reach the NBA Finals were thwarted by LeBron James-led Miami Heat teams in both years). However, in a move some saw coming, Pacers president Larry Bird decided not to renew Vogel’s contract, citing a difference in offensive vision.
There are several high profile free agent coaches that many thought the Pacers would have conversations with, but McMillan may very well be their best option. The one-time Sonics and Trailblazers coach has significant experience with winning teams, and has been a member of the Pacers organization since 2013. Considering the Pacers’ young core and the re-emergence of Paul George as one of the top 10 players in the league, McMillan should see some immediate success as long as key guys stay healthy.
