ESPN CONFIRMED: Indiana Pacers Hall of Fame Larry Brown Return as New Head Coach _ Signed a four-Year Contract Worth…

In a stunning move that blends history with ambition, ESPN has confirmed that the Indiana Pacers have appointed Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown as their new head coach. Brown, who previously led the Pacers from 1993 to 1997, returns to the franchise with a four-year contract worth $28 million.

The announcement marks a major shift for the Pacers, who parted ways with former head coach Rick Carlisle earlier this month following a disappointing playoff exit. Team president Kevin Pritchard emphasized that Brown’s return signals the beginning of a new era — one rooted in discipline, player development, and championship-caliber expectations.

“Larry Brown is not just a coach — he’s a legend in our sport,” Pritchard said during the press conference. “He knows how to win, how to develop talent, and how to bring the best out of a team. We’re honored to have him back where he belongs.”

A Return to Familiar Ground

Brown, now 84, last coached in the NBA in 2010 with the Charlotte Bobcats but has remained active in basketball, mentoring young coaches and consulting for college programs. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 and is the only coach in basketball history to win both an NCAA national championship (with Kansas in 1988) and an NBA title (with the Detroit Pistons in 2004).

His previous stint with the Pacers was widely respected, transforming the team into a perennial playoff contender in the ’90s. Under his leadership, the Pacers made three straight playoff appearances and laid the groundwork for the team’s Eastern Conference dominance in the early 2000s.

Building Toward the Future

Brown inherits a Pacers squad brimming with young talent and potential, including All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, sharpshooter Bennedict Mathurin, and rising center Jarace Walker. Sources close to the team say Brown’s ability to blend veterans with up-and-coming stars was a key factor in his hiring.

“I’m excited to be back in Indiana,” Brown said in a brief statement. “This franchise and city mean a lot to me. I’ve been blessed with opportunities throughout my career, and this one feels special. We’ve got work to do, and I can’t wait to get started.”

A Surprising, Yet Strategic Hire

While Brown’s age has raised eyebrows, league insiders view the move as strategic. The Pacers are believed to be positioning themselves for a deep playoff run within the next two seasons, and Brown’s experience is seen as the steady hand needed to guide the team there.

“If anyone doubts Larry’s fire, they haven’t spoken to him recently,” said ESPN analyst Adrian Wojnarowski. “He’s still sharp, still driven, and still absolutely committed to winning.”

What’s Next?

Brown will be formally introduced at a press conference scheduled for Monday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Training camp begins in September, and sources say Brown has already begun assembling his coaching staff, which may include a mix of former NBA assistants and promising young minds.

Whether this return leads to another chapter of Pacers greatness remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Larry Brown is back — and so is the excitement in Indiana.