5 NBA coaches likeliest to get fired over underwhelming playoff outings ft. Frank Vogel

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#3 Frank Vogel

The Phoenix Suns fired Monty Williams and replaced him with Frank Vogel heading into the 2023-24 NBA season.

Vogel’s experience handling big-name superstars might be one of the reasons he was hired. In Phoenix, his task has been to mold Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker into a devastating Big Three.

Injuries to Beal and Booker have ruined his plans but the Suns remain in contention for an outright seat in the playoffs. The Suns could be looking at a battle royale in the play-in tournament if they can’t chase down the Pelicans. If the expensive roster goes home early, Phoenix could consider replacing him.

It’s unlikely Vogel will be gone in one season. But coaches have been fired in the middle of the season despite the team they’re coaching doing well. He could also be dismissed if the Suns front office aren’t satisfied with his performance.

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#2 Darvin Ham

Darvin Ham seems to be the culprit every time the LA Lakers go on a losing skid, which isn’t surprising to him at all. Last year, he led the beleaguered team to the Western Conference Finals before they were whipped by Nikola Jokic and eventual NBA champions.

This season, the Lakers might not even make the playoffs at all. LeBron James and Co. will have to battle out of the play-in tournament to punch a ticket to the postseason. If Anthony Davis or “King James” isn’t fully healthy and loses, Ham could be coaching somewhere else next season.

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#1 Joe Mazzulla

The Boston Celtics have had the best record in the entire NBA for almost the entire season.

They eventually sprinted to the finish line, clinching the top rank throughout the playoffs two weeks ago. The last time the Celtics had a 60-game winning season, the trio of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett nearly led the team to a championship repeat.

Mazzulla took over from Ime Udoka last season and guided the Celtics to the East Finals before losing in seven games to the Miami Heat. This year, anything less than an NBA Finals appearance could be disastrous for the coach.

Boston’s head tactician might be in for a war right away in the playoffs. If the Miami Heat somehow end up eighth, another showdown between the two rivals will be looming. If Erik Spoelstra again outsmarts him, Joe Mazzulla could be gone.

Mazzulla could go on to win the NBA Coach of the Year award and get fired after the playofffs. It happened to Dwane Casey in 2018 after leading the Toronto Raptors to the best record in the East. Mazzulla could be on to history he doesn't want to be a part of.