Pacers keep Vogel as coach

INDIANAPOLIS, July 6 (UPI) -- Frank Vogel will stay on as coach of the Indiana Pacers, club executive Larry Bird said Wednesday in removing the interim tag from Vogel's job description.

Vogel, 38, became the head coach in January when he took over from Jim O'Brien. The Pacers were 17-27 at the time and Vogel guided them to a 20-18 mark and a post-season berth the rest of the way.

Indiana finished 37-45 but was eliminated by Chicago in the first round in the playoffs.

"We're very happy to have Frank as our coach," Bird, the Pacers' president of basketball operations, said in a statement. "As I stated after the season, I was in no hurry regarding the coach, mainly because I knew I had a good candidate in Frank. But we wanted to get through the draft and I wanted to have numerous conversations with Frank about a staff that will cover all areas. I feel strongly he is doing that and this coaching staff, as a whole, will help this franchise continue to move forward."

Vogel has 14 NBA seasons under his belt as a coach, scout or other administrative role with Boston, Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington and Indiana. He has been with the Pacers since being brought on board by O'Brien in 2007.

"I'm very grateful to [team owner] Herb Simon, Larry Bird and [General Manager] David Morway for giving me this opportunity," Vogel said. "Our team last year finished strong with a positive playoff showing and it's something we all can definitely build on. This is a challenge I embrace and look forward to."