BREAKING NEWS: Rick Carlisle Current Head Coach Indiana pacers Resigned due to……….

In a stunning and unexpected turn of events, Rick Carlisle, the current head coach of the Indiana Pacers, has officially resigned from his position, according to a statement released by the team early Monday morning.

The 65-year-old coach, who returned to the Pacers in 2021 after a long and successful stint with the Dallas Mavericks, cited “personal reasons and a desire to pursue new opportunities outside of basketball” as the primary cause for his departure.

“After much thought and consideration, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Indiana Pacers,” Carlisle said in a written statement. “This has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my coaching career, but the time has come for me to explore a different path.”

Sources close to the organization indicate that Carlisle had been in discussions with team executives over the past few weeks regarding his long-term future, but few expected a resignation this abrupt. The team reportedly learned of his final decision late Sunday night.

Carlisle leaves behind a Pacers team that showed promise last season, led by young stars like Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. Under his leadership, the team saw noticeable improvement and returned to playoff contention.

Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard released the following statement:
“We are grateful for Rick’s dedication and leadership over the past few seasons. His impact on our players and our culture has been immense. We support his decision and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”

Assistant coach Lloyd Pierce is expected to assume interim head coaching duties while the franchise begins an immediate search for Carlisle’s permanent successor.

This marks the second time Carlisle has parted ways with the Pacers, having also coached the team from 2003 to 2007. His overall coaching record with Indiana stands at 402–359 across both tenures.

Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. The Pacers have scheduled a press conference for Tuesday morning.