NBA champion joins Dallas Mavericks staff
Nov 12, 2019; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel (left) and assistant coach Jason Kidd against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Destiny sometimes creates surprising scenarios in the NBA. Frank Vogel, 52, is finalizing an agreement to become Jason Kidd’s lead assistant with the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN. This situation completely reverses the roles between the two men, as Kidd was Vogel’s assistant with the Lakers between 2019 and 2021, during which time they won the NBA championship together in 2020.
Frank Vogel is finalizing an agreement to join the Dallas Mavericks as a lead assistant coach under Jason Kidd, sources tell ESPN. The 2020 NBA championship-winning coach is a major addition to the Mavericks staff. pic.twitter.com/P6CtwgyGrX
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025
Return to coaching after a season as consultant
Vogel replaces Sean Sweeney as lead assistant, who joined the San Antonio Spurs as associate coach. The former Suns coach isn’t entirely unfamiliar with the Texas organization, as he already held a consulting role with the Mavericks this season after his dismissal from Phoenix.
This appointment marks a turning point in Vogel’s career, who returns to an assistant position for the first time since 2001-2011, when he served in Boston, Philadelphia and Indiana. Since 2011, he had only held head coaching positions: with the Pacers (2011-2016), Magic (2016-2018), Lakers (2019-2022) and Suns (2023-2024).
Vogel’s experience in Phoenix ended in bitter disappointment. Despite a 49-33 record in regular season and sixth place in the West, the Suns were swept in the first round of the 2023-2024 playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Eleven days after this elimination, Vogel was fired, with three years remaining on his five-year, $31 million contract signed in 2023.
This collaboration between Vogel and Kidd represents a major addition to the Mavericks staff. Both men bring valuable experience, particularly from winning the NBA title together in the Orlando bubble. Vogel will be joined by Jay Triano in Kidd’s staff, whose extension with Dallas seems imminent despite recent interest from the Knicks.
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