Bird won't consider McHale as Pacers coach

On the day the Indiana Pacers parted ways with coach Frank Vogel, team president Larry Bird crossed off a natural name from the list of possible successors.

Bird said former Boston Celtics teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Kevin McHale will not be one of the candidates to replace Vogel.

"I would not do that to Kevin, have him work for me," Bird said at a news conference. "I respect the man too much, we've been through too many battles together to bring him in here. I'd love for him to my coach, but it ain't gonna happen because (of) our relationship."

Bird and McHale combined with Robert Parish to form one of the most dominant frontcourts in NBA history, leading the Celtics to three championships in the 1980s.

Bird's decision not to renew Vogel's contract comes as a head-scratcher to many, given the Pacers' achievements this season was essentially in line with their talent. The fact they extended to the No. 2 seed Toronto Raptors to a seventh game in the first round of the playoffs could even indicate a element of exceeding expectations.

McHale has reportedly withdrawn his name from consideration from the Sacramento Kings coaching vacancy, while Vogel's sudden unemployment will surely pique the interest of multiple suitors, including McHale's former team, the Houston Rockets.