Indiana extends contract with Rick Carlisle following NBA Finals run: Coach's deal is secured by Pacers.
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In the exciting world of the National Basketball Association (NBA), few coaches have had a career as storied as Rick Carlisle. The 65-year-old coach, currently at the helm of the Indiana Pacers, has etched his name in the annals of basketball history with his unparalleled success.
Carlisle's coaching journey began in 1989, when he joined the New Jersey Nets as an assistant coach. He then moved on to the Portland Trail Blazers, spending four seasons there before making his way back to the Indiana Pacers, this time as an assistant coach under the legendary Larry Bird in 1997.
During his tenure as an assistant coach with the Pacers, Carlisle played a significant role in the team's success. He helped guide the team to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1998 and the NBA Finals in 2000.
In 2001, Carlisle was offered the head coaching position with the Detroit Pistons. He led the team to 50 wins each season, division titles, playoff appearances, and was even named NBA Coach of the Year in 2002. Despite reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2003, he was let go after the season.
Carlisle returned to Indiana as the Pacers' new coach after being fired in Detroit. His first stint as the Pacers' coach lasted four years and included three trips to the playoffs, with the highlight being a win in the Eastern Conference title in 2024. However, he left after missing the playoffs in 2007.
In 2008, Carlisle took on a new challenge, becoming the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. His tenure there lasted 13 seasons (2008-2021). The pinnacle of his time with the Mavericks was winning the NBA Championship in 2011 by defeating the Miami Heat in six games.
Carlisle's return to the Pacers in 2021 has been nothing short of remarkable. He led the team to consecutive Eastern Conference Finals and the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years during the 2024-25 season. This impressive run earned him a multiyear contract extension in August 2025, reflecting both on-court success and leadership stability.
As of the 2025 season, Carlisle has 81 playoff wins, tied for 10th all-time among NBA coaches. With his extensive experience and proven track record, he is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in NBA history. Moreover, he is currently the NBA’s oldest active head coach following the retirement of Gregg Popovich.
During his time with the Pacers, Carlisle has led the team to the NBA Finals in 2025, where they faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite a valiant effort, the Pacers ultimately fell short, losing the series. However, Carlisle's impact on the team and the league as a whole is undeniable.
In conclusion, Rick Carlisle's career is a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to the game of basketball. From his days as a player with the 1986 Boston Celtics, where he won an NBA title under the guidance of K.C. Jones, to his time as a coach with the Pacers, Mavericks, and Pistons, Carlisle has consistently demonstrated his ability to lead teams to success. As he continues to shape the future of the Indiana Pacers, one thing is certain: Rick Carlisle's legacy in the NBA will continue to grow.
References: [1] ESPN. (2021). Rick Carlisle. ESPN. https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/9978/rick-carlisle [2] Basketball-Reference. (2021). Rick Carlisle. Basketball-Reference. https://www.basketball-reference.com/coaches/carli01.html [3] Yahoo Sports. (2021). Rick Carlisle agrees to multiyear extension with Pacers. Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/rick-carlisle-agrees-multiyear-extension-pacers-202120475.html [4] CBS Sports. (2021). Rick Carlisle agrees to multiyear extension with Pacers. CBS Sports. https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/rick-carlisle-agrees-to-multiyear-extension-with-pacers/ [5] Sports Illustrated. (2021). Rick Carlisle. Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/nba/2021/08/04/rick-carlisle-pacers-coach-extension-contract-details-report
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