As Candace Buckner of the IndyStar details, Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel will not be returning to the club next season.
"It's time for a new voice around here," Bird said. "Sometimes my job really sucks and this is one of the toughest things I've done because of the respect I've had for Frank. I've had time to think about it and watch the team throughout the year."
Buckner cites Bird's quest to play up-tempo as one of the contributing factors in Vogel's dismissal. She also referenced this big of linguistic legerdemain:
Bird said Vogel wasn't fired just that his contract wasn't renewed. Said if called for reference, he'd say "He's the best... The real deal."
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) May 5, 2016
Vogel coached the Pacers to a 250-181, .580 regular season record in five and a half seasons at the helm. This included 5 trips to the playoffs and a 31-30 post-season record.
SBNation,com has an extended write-up on Bird's history and philosophy as an NBA executive.