Dallas Mavericks: Rick Carlisle agrees to coach Indiana Pacers

The Dallas Mavericks lost head coach Rick Carlisle when he resigned after 13 seasons on June 16. They have two massive holes to fill this offseason because the team also mutually parted ways with president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson.

It did not take long for Carlisle to find his next head coaching destination. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported he agreed to coach the Indiana Pacers on Thursday morning. Carlisle is set to make $29 million over the next four years. He had two seasons left on his deal with the Mavericks, but owner Mark Cuban freed him from that commitment.

Here is a closer look at what to expect from Carlisle in Indy, plus his thoughts on who should be the Mavericks next head coach.

Former Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle signs with Pacers

The Pacers are getting one of the best coaches in the league. He led the Mavericks to the playoffs in nine of his 13 seasons, including winning the championship in 2011. Carlisle is one of only eight current head coach that won a ring as the top man. He gets the most out of his players and is well-known for his in-game adjustments.

Rick Carlisle will always be the coach that led the Mavs to their first championship. His decision to start J.J. Barea in the NBA Finals will be remembered as one of the best adjustments in franchise history. The Mavericks were sad to see Carlisle go, and he will be difficult to replace. He shared his thoughts on who should be Dallas’ head coach next season.

The Pacers were knocked out in the play-in tournament this year and fired head coach Nate Bjorkgren after just one season in charge. They had made five straight playoff appearances before this year, but have not made it past the first round since 2014. Indiana has a talented young roster that Rick Carlisle will be looking to help take the next step in 2022.

Carlisle returns to the Pacers for the third time in his coaching career. He was an assistant under Larry Bird from 1997 to 2000. Carlisle took the Pistons head job for a few years before returning to Indiana to be the head coach from 2003 to 2007. He had three playoff appearances in his four seasons leading the Pacers.

The Dallas Mavericks will continue their search for a president of basketball operations and head coach. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.