Warriors Hired Frank Vogel as Associate Head Coach

The veteran NBA coach joins the Golden State staff to lead defensive responsibilities.

Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Basketball

Warriors Hired Frank Vogel as Associate Head Coach

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The Golden State Warriors have hired Frank Vogel as an associate head coach for the 2025-26 season. Vogel is tasked with overseeing the team's defensive coaching duties.

Why it matters

Vogel aims to contribute his extensive coaching expertise to the Warriors after most recently leading the Phoenix Suns during the 2023-24 campaign.

Vogel previously coached the Phoenix Suns to 49 wins during the 2023-24 season. He also spent two seasons on the Dallas Mavericks staff earlier in his career.

The players

Frank Vogel

He is an experienced NBA coach who has led the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns.

Golden State Warriors

This is a professional basketball franchise based in San Francisco that competes in the Western Conference of the NBA.

Phoenix Suns

This is an NBA professional basketball team based in Phoenix that recently moved through several coaching changes.

The details

Frank Vogel successfully pitched his potential impact to the Golden State staff before being hired. He brings experience from previous head coaching roles with the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, and Orlando Magic.

Vogel coached the Indiana Pacers from 2011 to 2016.
Vogel led the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals in 2020.
Vogel coached the Phoenix Suns during the 2023-24 season.
Vogel joins the Golden State Warriors staff for the 2025-26 season.
Phoenix hosts Golden State for a regular season game on October 24.

Season Trajectory

This appointment signals a shift in the Warriors defensive strategy as they look to remain competitive in the Western Conference. It marks a departure from recent trends as the team seeks to optimize its rotation and defensive identity for the upcoming season.

Fans should monitor how Vogel's defensive focus impacts the team's efficiency ratings early in the season. The tactical adjustments will be on full display when the Warriors face his former team, the Phoenix Suns, on October 24.

The takeaway

Vogel's transition to the Warriors brings a wealth of championship-level experience to the San Francisco coaching staff. His ability to integrate defensive systems will be a critical factor in determining the team's success against high-scoring Western Conference rivals.