INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Rick Carlisle, who was abruptly fired as coach of the Detroit Pistons in June, landed on his feet Wednesday in a similar position with Indiana.
Carlisle was fired on Sat., May 31, and later replaced by Larry Brown. He had one year left on his deal with the Pistons, but was considered too abrasive and aloof.
At Indiana, he will be re-united with Larry Bird, the Pacers' president, for whom he was an assistant from 1997-2000 while Bird was coach.
"I'm very happy to have Rick on board," Bird said. "I look forward to a great year. I've had great respect for Rick, both as a player and as a coach. He has tremendous knowledge of the game, and I firmly believe he is the right coach for this team."
Carlisle guided Detroit to a record of 50-32 in each of the last two seasons. The Pistons won playoff series against Orlando and the 76ers, but lost to New Jersey in the Eastern Conference Final.
He replaces Isiah Thomas, who also was abruptly fired on Aug. 27, although he had a testy relationship with Bird. Thomas replaced Bird as Pacers coach in 2000-01, and compiled a 131-115 record over three seasons.
