Pacers Sign Rick Carlisle to a Multi-Year Extension
The Indiana Pacers head coach, Rick Carlisle, has agreed to a multi-year extension with the team. The extension comes after Indiana’s magical run to the NBA Finals, where they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games. In Game Seven, star guard Tyrese Haliburton ruptured his Achilles tendon early in the first quarter, proving to be a devastating blow as Carlisle was looking to claim his second-ever NBA championship and the first in team history. As they head into the 2026 season, many within the organization expect this to be a bridge year, simply to develop young talent for future postseason runs.
What a New Contract Means for the Future of Rick Carlisle
Rumor had it that Carlisle could be considering more “win-now” situations after the Haliburton diagnosis. The 65-year-old coach returned for his second stint in Indiana in 2021 and has guided the team to the Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals in back-to-back years. Carlisle also owns the franchise record for most wins as a coach in regular-season and playoff history. With his future settled with the Pacers, the front office will look for ways to return the team to contention status upon Haliburton’s return in 2026.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Indiana Pacers Season
The Pacers took a few blows to their roster these past two months. Haliburton’s devastating injury and Myles Turner’s departure for Milwaukee in free agency have drastically changed the Pacers’ hopes for this season. Re-signing Carlisle was a no-brainer for Indiana and will give them stability in a period filled with uncertainty. It appears Indiana has gone all-in on developing talent and increasing their size for the 2027 NBA season after acquiring Jay Huff, James Wiseman, and Tony Bradley this offseason.
What is Success for Carlisle to Finish His Career in Indiana?
The Pacers and Carlisle have made it very clear that each side wants Carlisle to finish his career in Indiana. Short-term success for Indiana would be avoiding the play-in in 2026 and winning a round in the 2026 postseason. Assuming Haliburton’s recovery in 2027, long-term success for the Pacers under Carlisle would be another NBA Finals appearance and a real effort at the franchise’s first NBA title. Carlisle’s contract extension has ensured that no matter what future success comes the Pacers’ way, Indiana wants him at the helm.
