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Williams, Jackson And Mitchell Candidates For Indiana PostKnicks assistant coach Herb Williams is on the Indiana Pacers' list of candidates to replace Rick Carlisle as head coach. Carlisle was fired on Wednesday after the Pacers posted a 35-47 record, their worst season since 1988-89. Indiana is also said to be interested in former Pacer players Sam Mitchell and Mark Jackson. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Pacers Fire Carlisle
The Pacers suffered a disappointing season with a bad second half that saw them drop out of the playoffs. Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Charlotte And Indiana Will Be Interested In Mitchell?
He could be a coveted commodity on the open market, as Charlotte and Indiana are expected to be suitors. "Most likely," Chris Bosh said yesterday when asked if he believes Mitchell will be back. "I mean, I don't have any sense (of the situation). Only the future can tell. But in my opinion, everything's going well. He'll probably be back." Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Bobcats, Indiana Pacers Read the Full Story Discuss Send Feedback Buy Tickets Pacers Apr 2007 Archive
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The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday that Rick Carlisle will not return as head coach, but will have the option to return to the team in another capacity.
In four seasons as Pacers coach, Carlisle compiled a 181-147 record (.552 winning percentage). The Pacers made the NBA playoffs in three of the four seasons and reached the Eastern Conference Finals in Carlisle’s first year, 2003-04. That same season, the Pacers posted a 61-21 record, the best in franchise history.
“Rick’s contributions to this franchise, first as an assistant coach, then as a head coach, have been tremendous,” said President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “This is a mutual decision and we’re happy that Rick will consider remaining with the franchise.”
“My wife, Donna, and I are very grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of a great organization like the Indiana Pacers for seven of the last 10 years,” said Carlisle. “We wish to thank Mel and Herb Simon, Larry Bird, Donnie Walsh and our players for a great experience. This is a class organization with great leadership and a loyal fan base that’s second to none.”
The Pacers’ search for a new coach will begin immediately.
Sam Mitchell famously doesn't have a contract for next season, despite being named Coach of the Year.