Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Indiana Pacers, has announced he will step down as president of the National Basketball Coaches Association (NBCA) at the end of this month. J.B. Bickerstaff, the current head coach of the Detroit Pistons, will succeed him in this role. Carlisle made the announcement on Monday night before the Pacers faced the Boston Celtics.
Reflecting on his tenure, Carlisle stated, “I decided about a year ago that this would be my last year. This is my 20th year. My term will end at the end of this month.” The 66-year-old coach is on the verge of a significant milestone, needing only one more victory to reach his 1,000th win in his coaching career.
Bickerstaff’s Leadership Experience
Carlisle expressed confidence in Bickerstaff’s ability to lead the association, highlighting his strong track record. “J.B. is not only a trusted friend of mine and many coaches, he’s proven to be a great leader,” Carlisle remarked. He praised Bickerstaff’s success in navigating challenging coaching situations, particularly his performance with the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he transformed a struggling team into a playoff contender.
Bickerstaff, 46, began his coaching career as an assistant with the Charlotte Hornets in 2004. He served as an associate head coach for the Memphis Grizzlies before becoming their interim head coach in November 2017. He officially took on the head coaching role on May 1, 2018. In February 2020, he was elevated to head coach of the Cavaliers following the resignation of John Beilein. Most recently, he was appointed as head coach of the Pistons on July 3, 2024.
Carlisle extended his congratulations to Bickerstaff, remarking, “This will be a life-changing experience for him. It has been for me.”
A Legacy in Coaching
Notably, Bickerstaff comes from a coaching lineage; his father, Bernie Bickerstaff, 81, has had a significant impact on the NBA both as a coach and in front office roles. Carlisle expressed his hopes for Bernie’s recognition, stating, “We’re behind the scenes working trying to help Bernie be recognized by the Hall of Fame as a contributor. There are so many ways that he influenced the game.”
As Carlisle prepares for his departure from the NBCA presidency, he leaves behind a legacy marked by dedication and advocacy for coaches across the league. Bickerstaff’s upcoming leadership is seen as a promising new chapter for the association, poised to continue the important work established during Carlisle’s tenure.
