BREAKING NEWS: Former Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Rick Carlisle Agrees to Return to the Indiana Pacers as the New President of Basketball Operations

 In a stunning turn of events, former Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle has agreed to return to the Indiana Pacers—but not as a coach. Carlisle will now serve as the President of Basketball Operations, marking a major shift in leadership and signaling a bold new era for the Pacers franchise.

The news broke early Monday morning after weeks of speculation surrounding the future of the Pacers’ front office. Sources close to the organization confirmed that Carlisle, who previously coached the Pacers from 2003 to 2007 and returned for a second stint in 2021, had been in quiet talks with ownership about taking on a more strategic role.

Carlisle, 65, brings decades of NBA experience, including a championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 and over 850 career wins as a head coach. His deep knowledge of team building and player development makes him a natural fit for the executive position.

“Rick has been a steady hand and a brilliant basketball mind for many years,” said Pacers owner Herb Simon in a statement. “We believe his leadership from the front office will help us take the next step toward building a championship-caliber team.”

Carlisle reportedly will have full control over basketball decisions, including hiring a new head coach—adding another layer of intrigue as fans await to see who he taps to lead the team on the court.

This marks the third chapter of Carlisle’s relationship with Indiana, having first served as an assistant under Larry Bird in the late ’90s before taking over as head coach in the early 2000s. His return as an executive is being seen by many as a full-circle moment.

While no official press conference date has been announced, Carlisle is expected to be introduced later this week.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.