[Basketball News]

Indianapolis, May 31, 2007 -- The Indiana Pacers announced Thursday that Jim O’Brien has been named head coach.

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

“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.”

O’Brien, who previously has been the head coach of the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, said, “I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to be the coach of the Indiana Pacers. 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.

“I look forward to getting to work and being an integral part of the Pacers’ future.”

PACERS NAME O'BRIEN HEAD COACH

[Lefty Noob]

Call me crazy, but I like this hire. O'Brien has had a winning record everywhere he coached in the NBA. I think he's a good hit for the Pacers.

[Basketball News]

The Indiana Pacers have had plenty of off-the-court troubles in the past few years. New coach Jim O'Brien, though, plans to be the team's law on the court.

New Pacers Coach O’Brien to be Disciplinarian

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Call me crazy, but I like this hire. O'Brien has had a winning record everywhere he coached in the NBA. I think he's a good hit for the Pacers.

your crazy if u want which the pacers do u start with a young coach i htought they should of gone Jim Boylan he his style is similar to O''Brain "disipline defensesive basketball" but on the condaraty its when OBrain leaves teams and they become bottom feaders ask the sixers an Celtics there were three assisants espn's Ric Buecher had as being the next GREAT coaches Sam Vinecct went to Charlotte some guy from Pheonix whos name slipped my mind and Boylan Pheonix made a mistake !

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Call me crazy, but I like this hire. O'Brien has had a winning record everywhere he coached in the NBA. I think he's a good hit for the Pacers.

I don't like it. Same old re-cycled coach syndrome. What has he done in the NBA that merits his 3rd job chance?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

I don't like it. Same old re-cycled coach syndrome. What has he done in the NBA that merits his 3rd job chance?

He's won everywhere he's been and he has 3 playoff appearances in 5 seasons, according to what I read the other day. That's not too bad.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

He's won everywhere he's been and he has 3 playoff appearances in 5 seasons, according to what I read the other day. That's not too bad.

pundit is right u cant recycle coaches i think Boylan was the right hire not O'Brain

[ThePundit]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

He's won everywhere he's been and he has 3 playoff appearances in 5 seasons, according to what I read the other day. That's not too bad.

Reggie Miller doesn't like it, either. He has publicly ripped the hire - on TNT AND on Mike and The Mad Dog radio show.

I'll say this about Reggie: He really gives his opinions on stuff - he doesn't hold back. If you want to hear the interview.
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