TOUCH DOWN: Indiana Pacers General Manager Reveal what Former Head Coach Rick Carlisle said to him before Terminating his…

In a stunning development that has sent ripples through the NBA community, Indiana Pacers General Manager Chad Buchanan has opened up about the conversation that took place between him and former head coach Rick Carlisle just hours before Carlisle’s contract was officially terminated.

Carlisle, a respected veteran with a championship pedigree, had been with the Pacers since 2021 in his second stint with the franchise. Despite leading a young, exciting core to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2024, the 2025 season saw a regression marked by internal friction and a disappointing first-round playoff exit.

In a press conference this morning, Buchanan spoke candidly for the first time since Carlisle’s departure.

“Rick called me into his office before the final decision was made,” Buchanan said. “He looked me in the eye and said, ‘I love this organization, but I think they need a different voice now. These young guys—Haliburton, Mathurin, Walker—they’re special. But I might not be the right one to get them over the next hill.’”

The admission stunned many, especially considering the stability Carlisle brought to the team after years of rebuilding. Buchanan praised Carlisle’s professionalism and foresight, stating that the mutual respect between them made the difficult decision more manageable.

“It wasn’t a firing in the traditional sense,” Buchanan continued. “Rick essentially handed us the keys and said, ‘It’s time.’ That’s a rare level of self-awareness in this league.”

Carlisle’s exit comes amid rising expectations for the Pacers, with Tyrese Haliburton blossoming into a bona fide superstar and a supporting cast showing immense promise. Reports suggest that internal discussions had been ongoing for weeks, with ownership and front office members divided on whether to retain Carlisle or bring in a younger, more dynamic coach to align with the team’s evolving identity.

Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media, with many thanking Carlisle for his contributions while others question the timing of the move.

As for the future, Buchanan was tight-lipped but assured fans that the search for a new head coach is already underway.

“We owe it to our players and our fans to find someone who can elevate this team to the next level,” he said. “We’re not starting over—we’re stepping forward.”

Rick Carlisle, who previously led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA Championship in 2011, has not yet announced his next steps. Sources close to him say he may take a break from coaching or transition into a front office or broadcasting role.

For now, Indiana turns the page on an era—one defined by growth, grit, and the steady hand of a coach who knew when to step aside.