The basketball world is stunned as Indiana Pacers current head coach Rick Carlisle has officially announced and submitted his resignation letter. The shocking move comes alongside the monumental news that Pacers legend Larry Bird is returning to the franchise — this time as the new Senior Coaching Staff.In an emotional statement, Carlisle thanked the Pacers organization, players, and fans for their unwavering support, saying, “This team is in great hands. There’s no one better to carry this forward than Larry Bird — he is Indiana basketball.”
Bird, a Hall of Famer, three-time NBA MVP, and the only person in NBA history to be named MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year, last coached the Pacers from 1997 to 2000, leading them to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance. His return is being hailed as a homecoming that could reignite the team’s championship ambitions.
Pacers owner Herb Simon called Bird’s return “a historic moment”, emphasizing that his leadership, basketball IQ, and deep connection to Indiana will have an immediate impact both on and off the court.
Fans flooded social media with highlight reels of Bird’s coaching days, heartfelt tributes, and the trending hashtag Legend BackInIndy — signaling an outpouring of excitement for the new era about to unfold in Indianapolis.
The Pacers have officially entered a new chapter — one led by a living legend determined to bring the Larry Bird magic back to Indiana.
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