Indiana re-signs Rick Carlisle to multi-year head coaching extension

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Rick Carlisle will remain at the helm of the Indiana Pacers after signing a multi-year contract extension announced on Aug. 19, 2025.

Terms of the deal—including salary, final-year options, and eligibility clauses—were not disclosed.

“Since his return to the Pacers in 2021, Coach Carlisle has been integral to our success,” said Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard.

Carlisle earned praise for maximizing his roster’s potential, particularly in developing Tyrese Haliburton into a franchise cornerstone.

The 36-year coaching veteran led Indiana to one of the NBA’s most impressive playoff runs, guiding the Pacers to the Finals as the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference.

His unorthodox style took the league by storm, surprising top contenders with a relentless, high-octane offense.

Before pushing the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven grueling games in the NBA Finals, the Pacers overwhelmed the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks.

While players took much of the spotlight, analysts credited Carlisle’s innovative tactics—especially his hybrid filled-zone offense—for the team’s deep playoff push.

Carlisle first joined Indiana as head coach during the 2003–04 season, then left five years later to lead the Dallas Mavericks.

He returned to the Pacers in 2021, bringing with him the championship pedigree he established by leading Dallas to the 2011 NBA title over the star-studded Miami Heat.

“We are thrilled to have him continue leading our team and representing our organization well into the future,” added Pritchard.