**SHOCKING NEWS: Rick Carlisle Steps Down as Indiana Pacers Head Coach**
In a stunning turn of events, Rick Carlisle has announced he will be stepping down as the Head Coach of the Indiana Pacers. The revelation came during an emotional meeting with the Pacers Board of Trustees earlier today, leaving fans and the NBA community in disbelief.
Carlisle, who returned to Indiana in 2021 for his second stint with the team, addressed the board with visible emotion. He cited personal reasons and a desire to spend more time with family as key factors behind his decision. “This organization means the world to me,” he said. “But the time has come for me to take a step back and focus on what matters most off the court.”
During his tenure, Carlisle helped guide the Pacers through a rebuilding phase, nurturing young talent and instilling a culture of accountability and professionalism. Though the team fell short of a championship run, his leadership was widely praised.
Pacers management expressed deep gratitude for his contributions and promised a thorough search for the next head coach. As Carlisle exits the bench, his legacy as a respected figure in Indiana basketball remains firmly
intact.
