Pacers won’t renew contract of coach Vogel

1:04 PM ET

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers have parted ways with coach Frank Vogel, team president Larry Bird announced Thursday.

“Decided it’s time for a new voice around here,” Bird said. “Sometimes my job really sucks. I had time to think about it and watch the team throughout the year. I had higher expectations than most people on how our team should play. I came to a conclusion it’s time for these guys to hear a new voice. Made a decision not to renew [Vogel’s contract].”

Frank Vogel, left, sits with team president Larry Bird during a news conference in 2014. AP Photo/Michael Conroy

In six seasons as Pacers coach, Vogel had a 250-181 regular-season record and 31-30 playoff record, including losing in Game 7 of the first round to Toronto this season.

Bird expects there to be a lot of interest in the job, especially with All-Star Paul George and Myles Turner, who just finished a strong rookie season, on the roster. Bird is open to hiring a first-time head coach or coach who did not play in the NBA. He has already ruled out former Boston Celtics teammate Kevin McHale, who was fired by the Houston Rockets early last season, as a candidate.

“I’ll take my time and go through a lot [of names], make sure we can get the guy that can lead them and push them and get the ears of the players,” Bird said. “We’re excited about it.”

Bird first thought about the coaching change around the All-Star break, but he held off …

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