In a heartfelt and surprising announcement that has stirred excitement across the NBA community, Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle extended a warm and public welcome to former Pacers head coach Frank Vogel, who is officially returning to the franchise — not on the bench, but in a front-office advisory role focused on player development and team culture.
Vogel, who coached the Pacers from 2011 to 2016 and led them to two Eastern Conference Finals appearances, is widely respected for his defensive acumen and leadership. After stints with the Orlando Magic and a championship run with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, Vogel took a brief hiatus from coaching. Now, he’s making a homecoming that Carlisle calls “a full-circle moment for the franchise.”
“This is what we could hope for — a reunion with someone who knows this organization inside and out, and who brings championship experience,” Carlisle said during a press conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “Frank has always been about the team, the process, and the culture. He’s one of the great minds in basketball, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him back.”
Vogel will serve as a Special Advisor to Basketball Operations, working closely with Carlisle and the Pacers’ player development staff. His responsibilities will include mentoring young players, providing strategic input, and helping the team maintain a strong defensive identity — something Vogel was renowned for during his previous tenure.
Sources close to the team say that President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard had been in talks with Vogel for several months, gauging his interest in rejoining the organization in a non-coaching capacity. Once Vogel expressed his enthusiasm, the deal came together quickly.
“This team has a special place in my heart,” Vogel said in a statement. “I’m honored to return to Indiana, where so many of my coaching roots were planted. I look forward to supporting Rick, the staff, and these talented players in any way I can.”
Pacers fans, many of whom still hold fond memories of the Paul George-Roy Hibbert-Lance Stephenson era that Vogel coached, erupted with positivity on social media upon hearing the news. The move also reinforces the Pacers’ commitment to continuity, tradition, and smart team-building — values that both Vogel and Carlisle exemplify.
As Indiana continues its push to become a true contender in the Eastern Conference, Vogel’s return signals both a nod to the past and a confident step toward the future.
