Rick Carlisle Coaching Career

After graduating from Worcester, Rick joined the University of Maine as a skilled 6’5 shooting guard. Playing for Maine Black Bears, Carlisle averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, shooting 55% from the field.

After playing two years for Maine, Rick was transferred to the University of Virginia where he red-shirted for one year due to NCAA transfer rules before debuting for the Virginia Cavaliers in the 1982-83 season. Rick played his final two years of College ball for UVA, finishing his collegiate career averaging 12.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 0.5 steals a game.

After graduating from college, Carlisle declared for the 1984 NBA Draft and was selected 70th overall by the Boston Celtics.

Rick Carlisle Contract

Rick has worked as a coach for the New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, and the Indiana Pacers. After five years of playing professionally, Rick worked as an assistant coach for eleven years beginning with the New Jersey Nets in 1989.

Detroit Pistons (2001-2003)

Rick got his first break as a head coach for the Detroit Pistons in 2001 after he was brought in on a reported three-year deal worth between five and six Million dollars. Before becoming head coach of the Pistons, Carlisle was expected to replace his former teammate Larry Bird as head coach of the Pacers, but the organization preferred a different approach and chose former Pistons star Isaiah Thomas.

Rick took the Pistons team from finishing 30-52 in the 2000-01 season to consecutive 50-32 regular season record and back-to-back deep playoff runs.

Dallas Mavericks (2008-2021)

In 2008, Rick signed a four-year $17.5 Million deal to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks were looking for consistent playoff commitments and wanted an experienced coach that would make it possible.

In thirteen seasons as head coach, Carlisle coached the team to nine playoffs, a conference championship, and an NBA Championship in 2011.

Indiana Pacers (2003-2007, 2021-present)

In 2003, Rick was brought in as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers, replacing Isaiah Thomas. In his first season, Rick led the team to a season-best 61-21 record and to the Eastern Conference finals where the Pacers lost to a better Detroit Pistons team four games to two (4-2). After two more playoff trips with the team, Rick was let go by the Pacers organization.

Carlisle returned to Indiana in 2021 on a four-year $29 Million deal.