Rick Carlisle (Indiana Pacers)
August 2025
The Indiana Pacers extended coach Rick Carlisle’s contract after he guided them to their first NBA Finals appearance in 25 years. Carlisle’s leadership since returning in 2021 has included consecutive Eastern Conference Finals and cemented his place as the franchise’s winningest coach. Carlisle adapted his style to a faster, aggressive system, turning Indiana into a contender. Despite losing Game 7 of the Finals after Haliburton’s Achilles injury, Carlisle’s track record and community role ensured the extension. He now sits seven wins shy of 1,000 career victories.