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Pacers, head coach Rick Carlisle agree to contract extension

The 63-year-old, who previously coached the team from 2003-2007 before joining the Dallas Mavericks, returned as head coach in 2021.

INDIANAPOLIS — One day after a season-opening win against the Washington Wizards, the Pacers have agreed to a multi-year contract extension with head coach Rick Carlisle.

The news was first reported by ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski before the team confirmed the deal.

“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,” Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard said. “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.”

The 63-year-old, who previously coached the team from 2003-2007 before joining the Dallas Mavericks, returned as head coach in 2021.

Carlisle won an NBA championship with the Mavericks in 2011, and is just a few wins away from 900 career victories — Wednesday night's 143-120 win against the Wizards was Carlisle's 897th as a coach.

The Pacers posted a 35-47 record last season, a 10-win improvement over the prior season, and are looking to Carlisle to continue a rebuild with a roster that includes Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, Myles Turner and Obi Toppin.

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