INDIANA PACERS HIRE THEIR NEW HEAD COACH

The Indiana Pacers have hired Rick Carlisle to become their new head coach on a 4-year, $29 million deal, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN.



Carlisle left his position as Dallas Mavericks' head coach last week even though he had two years remaining on his contract. He was Indiana's coach from 2003 to 2007 and led them to the playoffs three out of the four years.

Carlisle is a veteran coach, who has won a championship in 2011 with the Mavericks. He owns a career record of 836 and 689, a 54.8 winning percentage.


The Pacers worked quickly to hire Carlisle, who was atop their list. They fired head coach Nate Bjorkgren after failing to make the playoffs.