Former Celtics Coach Ime Udoka Set To Return: Interviewed By Rockets, Giving Tough Competition To Frank Vogel

Ime Udoka, a former head coach of the Boston Celtics, will be interviewed by the Houston Rockets for the open post. After being sacked by the Celtics in February, the previously banned coach is now free to contract with any NBA team.

Former Celtics Coach Ime Udoka Set To Return: Interviewed By Rockets, Giving Tough Competition To Frank Vogel

According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Rockets plan to speak with Udoka on Wednesday. This was in spite of Udoka’s prior infraction of the Celtics’ team rules, which led to a one-year suspension. When Boston and Udoka parted ways in February, the punishment was over.

Udoka guided the Celtics to the NBA Finals in his lone season in charge, where they fell to the Golden State Warriors in six games. Boston was optimistic about their chances entering this season, but that all changed when Udoka was caught violating the team’s policy.

On the other side, Houston Rockets beat writer Ben DuBose asserted that Frank Vogel and Ime Udoka are the front-runners to be selected as the team’s next head coach. Vogel has already been questioned by the Rockets, and Udoka will follow on Wednesday.

“I do believe that Frank Vogel is a very clear candidate, and perhaps the front runner at this stage, to be the successor to Stephen Silas as head coach of the Rockets,” DuBose said.

The 49-year-old Vogel is presently the favorite to succeed Stephen Silas, the former Rockets head coach who guided Houston to a 22-60 record this season.

Although Vogel may be a superior coach overall, he does have a championship to his credit.

After rejecting his contract option for the next season, the Rockets cut ties with Silas. In his three seasons as the Rockets’ head coach, Silas had a 59-117 record. Over the past three years, the Rockets have been among the worst teams in the NBA.

 

FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE-

Warriors Draymond Green Ejected: Stomped On The Chest Of Domantas Sabonis