Bird: ‘It’s Time For A New Voice’

Larry Bird first came to the Pacers as head coach in 1997.

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Indiana Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird has announced Frank Vogel will not return as head coach of the Pacers. Vogel served as head coach since 2011 and amassed a 250-181 record with five NBA playoff appearances.

Bird said Thursday it was time for a new voice for the team. He said the decision to not renew Vogel’s contract was a very difficult one.

"I had time to think about it and watched the team throughout the year," said Bird. "I have a lot higher expectations than most people about how our team should play and how far they should go in the playoffs and how they should compete every night. I just came to the conclusion that I felt it was necessary for these guys to hear a new voice, but it’s tough."

Bird said the search is on for Vogel’s successor. He says he has a list of candidates that he is putting together, but he is looking for the coach that can "get the ear" of the players and push them to higher levels.

The Pacers were knocked out of the first round of the NBA playoffs after losing to the Toronto Raptors in Game 7.