Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle signs contract extension to see team through rebuild
The Pacers will continue to have stability on the bench with Carlisle, who will soon move into second for wins in franchise history.
Happy birthday, Rick Carlisle.
One day before his 64th birthday, the Pacers head coach signed a contract extension with the team. Terms of the deal are not immediately known.
“It goes without saying that Coach Carlisle is one of the most creative and successful coaches in the history of the league, so there was never a question that he continues to be the right person to lead our team,” team president Kevin Pritchard said in a statement.
“His ties to this organization and community run deep, his guidance and leadership are invaluable to our players and staff, and we’re looking forward to working together for years to come as we build something special for our fans.”
This agreement leads to stability on the bench and it aligns with All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, whose new contract runs through the 2028-29 season and is the largest in franchise history.
Moreover, note the phrase “build something special.” This deal provides security for the likely Hall of Fame coach given the Pacers are in season 3 of a rebuild and working toward the future.
It’s been almost a decade since they last won a playoff series (2014), and they last won a postseason game in 2018.
His staff plays a big part in everything and he empowers them to contribute daily: Lloyd Piece, Mike Weinar, Jenny Boucek, Jim Boylen and more.
“I’ve just got one of the most outstanding staffs that I’ve ever had,” he said of the group. “I’ve had a lot of great ones. … I’ve really leaned on them and given them a lot of responsibility, given them all a significant voice. I always want to hire people that I can learn from and I’ve learned things from this staff.”