The Indiana Pacers are restructuring their coaching staff ahead of the 2025-26 season. According to NBA insider Michael Scotto, assistant coach Jim Boylen has been promoted to the front of the bench alongside Lloyd Pierce and Jenny Boucek.
Boylen, who has been part of Rick Carlisle’s staff, steps into a more prominent role as Indiana prepares for another push in the Eastern Conference. His promotion comes as the Pacers continue to reinforce their coaching unit following a run to the 2025 NBA Finals.
In addition to Boylen’s move, the Pacers have added Johnny Carpenter as an assistant coach. Carpenter joins from the Memphis Grizzlies, where he spent last season, and previously worked for the University of Virginia for nearly a decade. He also has experience under Carlisle from his time with the Dallas Mavericks.
The shake-up follows a historic 2024-25 campaign for Indiana, which secured its first NBA Finals appearance since 2000. Despite falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games, the Pacers solidified their place as one of the league’s top contenders.
Boylen’s expanded responsibilities will come at a critical time. The Pacers enter the new season without star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a torn Achilles in Game 7 of the Finals and is expected to miss the entire year.
The franchise also begins the season without longtime center Myles Turner, who signed with the Milwaukee Bucks in free agency. To compensate, Indiana has added frontcourt depth with veterans such as Jay Huff.
