Pacers name O’Brien head coach

"We’re very happy to have Jim as the new coach of the Indiana Pacers," said president of basketball operations Larry Bird. "After speaking with him the last 10 days, we have a vision of where we want this team to go, from how we are going to practice, to how we are going to play and the style we’re going to play. We are on the same page. I believe it is very important to have a coach with experience and I feel Jim is the guy who will take us to the next level."

The 55-year-old O’Brien becomes the 13th head coach in franchise history.

"I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to be the coach of the Indiana Pacers," said O’Brien, who previously has been the head coach of the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. "The tradition of this franchise and the passion that this state has for the game of basketball has been well- documented. Since this job became available, it has been my dream to get in front of Larry and Donnie (Walsh) to talk about my strong interest in this job. I’ve been very fortunate to get in front of them and feel great about the outcome."

O’Brien spent four seasons at the helm for the Celtics, posting a 139-119 record with trips to the playoffs in 2002 and 2003, including a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2002.

O’Brien then coached the 76ers for one season in 2004-05, compiling a 43-39. He has sat out the last two seasons.