Kofi Inkoom
The Indiana Pacers have come to terms on a multi-year contract extension with their head coach, Rick Carlisle, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Carlisle, aged 63, has managed a 60-104 record in the last two seasons since taking the helm of a rebuilding Indiana squad in 2021, marking his second stint with the Pacers, having previously led the team from 2003 to 2007.
While specific contract details were not disclosed by Wojnarowski, this extension secures Carlisle’s position, allowing him to continue shaping a promising group of young talent within the team.
The acquisition of Tyrese Haliburton in a 2022 trade has provided Indiana with a cornerstone player, and Myles Turner has emerged as one of the NBA’s most productive centers.
Bennedict Mathurin has shown great promise in his rookie year, and the presence of players like Aaron Nesmith, Obi Toppin, and Jalen Smith forms a strong young foundation for the team.
The signing of Bruce Brown in the offseason reflects the Pacers’ aspiration to become contenders, with Carlisle’s experience being instrumental in guiding them in that direction.
Notably, Carlisle is one of the few active coaches who have won an NBA title, achieving this feat as the head coach of the Mavericks in 2011.
He was honored as Coach of the Year during his time with the Pistons in 2002 and also served as the Eastern Conference head coach in the 2004 All-Star Game.
Before venturing into coaching, Carlisle spent six seasons as an NBA player and transitioned into coaching in 1989 as an assistant with the Nets.
He later served as an assistant with the Trail Blazers and the Pacers before securing his first head coaching opportunity with the Pistons in 2001.
After two seasons with Detroit, he took the reins of the Pacers in 2003 and the Mavericks in 2008. Throughout his coaching career, Carlisle has amassed a record of 897 wins and 793 losses.
The Pacers kicked off the regular season on a high note by defeating the Washington Wizards 143-120 in a recent matchup.