In a stunning twist just hours after the Indiana Pacers wrapped up their final game of the season, former head coach and NBA legend Larry Bird has been officially announced as the new General Manager of the franchise.
The announcement came during a surprise press conference at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where Pacers owner Herb Simon and team executives introduced Bird, 68, as the new head of basketball operations. The move marks Bird’s return to a front office role nearly a decade after stepping away from team leadership duties.
“Larry Bird is Indiana basketball,” said Simon. “His understanding of the game, commitment to this franchise, and championship vision make him the ideal leader for the next era of Pacers basketball.”
Bird, who coached the team from 1997 to 2000—winning NBA Coach of the Year in 1998—and later served as President of Basketball Operations, expressed excitement and determination in his brief statement to media.
“It feels good to be back,” Bird said with his trademark calm. “This organization means a lot to me. I see a team with great young talent and heart—we just need to build the right way and stay patient.”
Sources say internal discussions began weeks ago as the Pacers’ playoff hopes began to dim, and longtime GM Chad Buchanan reportedly signaled interest in transitioning to an advisory role. Bird’s name surfaced quickly due to his longstanding ties to the team and his influence across the league.
While fans were stunned by the timing of the announcement—coming just two hours after the Pacers’ season-ending loss to the Miami Heat—many expressed optimism on social media, praising the franchise for “bringing Bird home.”
Bird will assume full GM duties effective immediately, including overseeing the upcoming offseason, trades, and the 2025 NBA Draft. Insiders believe his top priorities will include strengthening the frontcourt and finding veteran leadership to support emerging star Tyrese Haliburton.
This marks yet another chapter in the storied basketball life of Larry Bird—one that now includes a third return to the Indiana Pacers, a franchise that continues to lean on his legacy in hopes of returning to championship contention.
