Pacers Hire Former Grizzlies Coach After Surprising Departure
After a sudden and reportedly mutual split, the Indiana Pacers wasted no time strengthening head coach Rick Carlisle’s staff with a new hire.
According to a team press release, Carlisle is bringing in Johnny Carpenter, a former assistant coach from his time with the Dallas Mavericks. Carpenter, who most recently worked with the Memphis Grizzlies in player development and scouting during the 2024-25 season, will join the Pacers’ coaching staff. Carpenter’s connection to the Pacers goes further, as he also worked alongside current Indiana center Jay Huff during their time at the University of Virginia, where Carpenter held several roles, including assistant coach, director of player personnel, and basketball technology assistant. Huff played for Virginia from 2017 to 2021.
Carpenter’s first stint with Carlisle came during the 2014-15 season when he served as an assistant video coordinator for the Mavericks.
Carpenter’s arrival comes after the unexpected departure of Mike Weinar, who left the Pacers on Friday. Weinar had been considered for a role as the lead assistant and offensive coordinator under newly hired New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown but chose to remain with Carlisle instead, where he had spent 13 seasons.
Along with the coaching change, the Pacers also announced some adjustments to their assistant coaching staff. With Weinar’s exit, Jim Boylen has been promoted to one of the three lead assistant positions, alongside Lloyd Pierce and Jenny Boucek.
The Pacers are coming off impressive back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances, including a trip to the 2025 NBA Finals. Carlisle, widely regarded as one of the top coaches in the league, has now led two different teams to the Finals, boasting a 993-860 regular season record and an 86-87 postseason record over his 23-year career.
Despite the roster changes, Indiana showed their confidence in Carlisle by signing him to a long-term contract extension this summer.
Looking ahead to the 2025-26 season, Carlisle and his team will face some challenges. Two-time All-NBA point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who tore his Achilles tendon during the Finals, will miss the entire season, while starting center Myles Turner departed for the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency.
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