Top 5 Coaches In Indiana Pacers History

Rick Carlisle originally served as Larry Bird's lead assistant in the late-90's, when Indiana came closest to winning an NBA title. Soon thereafter, Carlisle received his first head coaching gig with the Detroit Pistons, but would soon return to Indiana in 2003. Carlisle went on to guide his Pacers to three consecutive playoff appearances, compiling a solid record of 181-147 before resigning in 2007.

In his near 30 years as an NBA coach, Larry Brown has certainly created himself quite the diverse resume. Brown made stops on nine different NBA franchises including the Pacers from 1993-1997. Although he famously attempted to end Jalen Rose's by burying him on the bench, Brown found some success reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in both 1994 and 1995.

Prior to Frank Vogel's arrival, the Pacers were stuck in a state of mediocrity for a span of six years. Since being named the full-time head coach, Vogel has improved in the wins column each year, reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in both of the last two seasons. If it weren't for the Miami Heat, Indiana would have undoubtedly made the NBA Finals in back-to-back years.

Bobby Leonard is primarily renowned for his tenure in Indiana during the ABA years. Eight of his twelve years as the Pacers' head coach were spent in the ABA, in which he was crowned a champion three times in the early-1970's. Despite technically only coaching four years in the NBA, Leonard collected a record of 529-456 and still, to this day, holds the Pacers' record for most wins in franchise history.

There's simply no denying the tremendous impact that Larry Bird has had on the Indiana Pacers. He has permanently imprinted his style due to his long withstanding in the front office since resigning his head coaching position in 2000. In three shorts years as head coach, Bird made consecutive deep playoff runs, most famously leading the Pacers to their one and only appearance in the NBA Finals. Bird has cemented himself as the clear cut greatest.