Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle will step down as president of the National Basketball Coaches Association at the end of December, ending a tenure that began in 2005.
Carlisle said he made the decision about a year ago and felt the timing was right after 20 years in the role.
Carlisle will be succeeded by J.B. Bickerstaff, who was chosen by the association’s members.
Bickerstaff, currently leading the Detroit Pistons, has served as the NBCA’s vice president and treasurer and is widely respected within coaching circles.
Carlisle praised Bickerstaff’s leadership and coaching track record, pointing to his success in Cleveland and recent work in Detroit.
He also noted that the NBCA is supporting efforts to have Bickerstaff’s father, Bernie Bickerstaff, considered for the Hall of Fame as a contributor after decades in the league.
Bickerstaff To Replace Carlisle As NBCA President https://t.co/vkG1GEoOLa pic.twitter.com/U3zRoQ9fbH
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) December 23, 2025
