Official release: Carlisle named coach

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have named Rick Carlisle head coach. Carlisle becomes the ninth coach in Mavericks history. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Carlisle arrives in Dallas with six years of head coaching experience with Detroit and Indiana and holds a career record of 281-211 (.571). Carlisle’s teams have made five postseason appearances, including two trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. In his two seasons with Detroit and his first in Indiana, Carlisle became the first coach since Pat Riley to win 50 games and division championships in each of his first three seasons.

In two years with Detroit, Carlisle earned a .610 winning percentage (100-61), claimed two Central Division championships and an appearance in the Eastern Conference Finals. Following the 2001-02 season, Carlisle was recognized as the NBA Coach of the Year.

Carlisle took over as head coach of the Indiana Pacers in September of 2003. In his first season, he led Indiana to the NBA’s best record (61-21), the most victories in Pacers’ history, a Central Division championship and a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals. Carlisle earned a 181-147 (.552) mark in four seasons with Indiana before stepping down as head coach following the 2006-07 campaign.

Carlisle’s coaching career began in 1989 as an assistant with the New Jersey Nets. In five seasons with New Jersey, he worked under Hall of Fame coaches Bill Fitch and Chuck Daly. Carlisle also spent three seasons in Portland under P.J. Carlesimo before joining teammate Larry Bird’s staff in Indiana for the 1997-98 season.

As a player, Carlisle won a World Championship in 1986 as a member of the Boston Celtics. During his five-year career, he spent time with the Celtics, Knicks and Nets.

In 1984, Carlisle graduated with a degree in psychology from the University of Virginia. He was co-captain of the Cavaliers 1984 Final Four squad after transferring from the University of Maine.

A native of Ogdensburg, N.Y., Carlisle and his wife, Donna, have a daughter, Abby.

“We are happy and proud to welcome Rick Carlisle into the Maverick family,” President of Basketball Operations Donnie Nelson said. “He was our top choice from the onset. His integrity, exceptional basketball IQ and balanced approach are exactly what we're looking for. Rick’s playoff experience and success make him a great fit for our team and its future.”