Chris Mullin recently opened up about his time playing under Larry Bird as a coach, offering insights into Bird’s straightforward yet effective approach.
On the All The Smoke podcast, Mullin described how the Hall of Famer’s no-nonsense coaching style, which focused on discipline and fundamentals, left a lasting impact on the team.
Mullin, who played for the Indiana Pacers during Bird’s first stint as head coach, recalled how Bird’s way of communicating was both unique and intimidating. “Talked sh*t like crazy, but quietly, only to you, which messes you up more,” Mullin said, via HoopsHype, reflecting on Bird’s ability to get inside players’ heads without raising his voice. This subtle, almost psychological approach created an environment where players were always on edge, but in a productive way.
One of Bird’s core principles as a coach was to keep things simple. “Be on time, play unselfish and play hard,” Mullin recalled as the basic tenets that Bird emphasized. These may sound like simple requests, but Mullin highlighted just how effective this framework was in shaping the Pacers’ success during Bird’s tenure. The structure was rigid, and Bird made sure that every player adhered to it without exception.
Mullin fondly remembered one memorable moment that underscored Bird’s commitment to punctuality. “We’re playing preseason, Larry’s first year coaching… we’re leaving Indiana and going to Nashville for a preseason game,” Mullin recounted. Despite the early timing of their flight, two players—Travis Best and Dale Davis—were running late. “David Craig, the trainer, comes up to Larry like ‘Travis Best and Dale Davis, they’re coming,’ and he says, ‘What time is it? It’s 11:00, wheels up.’” As the plane took off, the two players were seen literally running after the plane.
The incident became a turning point for the Pacers. “After that day though, no one ever late again,” Mullin said, highlighting how Bird’s strictness in those moments set the tone for the entire season. The coach’s bluntness and adherence to the rules worked, as it quickly eliminated any potential for drama or tardiness.
Bird was not afraid to speak his mind during games either, often with unfiltered remarks that pushed his players to be better. Mullin recalled a halftime conversation where Bird was particularly blunt. “He said, ‘you f*cking stars don’t stop playing man in five minutes, I’m taking your ass out,’” Mullin shared, laughing at how straightforward Bird could be in delivering his message. Bird’s directness was something that Mullin admired, and it served to motivate the team in ways that more conventional coaching styles may not have been able to achieve.
The intensity of Bird’s coaching style was not limited to criticism. Mullin also recalled a memorable exchange during a game in Milwaukee. “I’m like four for nine, you know, whatever, you’re not playing great but not that bad,” he said, recounting his performance. Bird approached him and simply said, “Mully, come here, are you gonna make a f*cking shot or what, man?” It was this blunt, no-holds-barred approach that made Bird’s coaching style so effective—there was no sugarcoating, just honest feedback and high expectations.
Mullin also praised Bird for empowering his assistant coaches, giving them the space to contribute and be heard. “Larry really empowered his assistant coaches,” Mullin noted. This trust in his staff created a team-oriented atmosphere that encouraged everyone to contribute.
