The Boston Celtics are going to need veteran help on the coaching staff, in light of the news that they’re expected to suspend head coach Ime Udoka.

According to Chris Mannix, a name to keep on your radar is Frank Vogel. The way Mannix worded his report on Twitter was, “Don’t be surprised if Frank Vogel is considered for the Celtics bench.” So he may not be the interim head coach, but a top assistant.

It’s important to note Vogel’s close relationship with Celtics President of Basketball Ops Brad Stevens. The two go back to the days when Vogel was coaching the Indiana Pacers, where he held the post from 2008-16, and Stevens was coaching at Butler University in Indianapolis.

Zolak & Bertrand | Reacting to the Ime Udoka News

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Vogel most recently coached the Los Angeles Lakers, and was dismissed after a 33-49 season in 2021-22. But he also has an NBA championship to his credit in 2020. A 21-year veteran of the NBA coaching ranks, Vogel has a 431-389 record (.526) in 830 career games as a head coach.

Udoka is expected to be suspended by the Celtics, perhaps for the entire 2022-23 season, for violating the team’s code of conduct. According to Shams Charania, Udoka had an inappropriate intimate relationship with a female member of the Celtics’ staff. The relationship is believed to have been consensual.

Celtics assistant coach Joe Mazzulla is expected to be elevated to the interim head coach role for the 2022-23 season, according to multiple reports. But adding Vogel would give the team some much-needed head coaching experience behind the 34-year-old Mazzulla.

An announcement from the Celtics is expected as soon as Thursday, but no statement has been released as of this writing. We’ll continue to keep you posted on the Udoka story and everything Celtics here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at [email protected].