In a Friday afternoon news drop that Indiana Pacers fans didn't see coming, the organization announced that they mutually agreed to part ways with assistant coach Mike Weinar. He joined Rick Carlisle's staff in 2021, after spending 10+ seasons on his staff in Dallas. Weinar was part of a staff that helped turn the Pacers from one of the worst teams in the league to one of the best.
what a moment for Coach Carlisle and assistant coach Mike Weinar 🥹 pic.twitter.com/ZOp6GVTFVd
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) June 1, 2025
In the Pacers' press release about the news, Carlisle called Weinar a "trusted friend and loyal colleague for 17+ years." Carlisle pointed out that "professional success" has followed Weinar throughout his career, and that it "will no doubt continue to do so in the future."
We have mutually agreed to part ways with assistant coach Mike Weinar.
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) August 22, 2025
Thank you Coach Weinar 💙
Read more: https://t.co/MBuhiQUZTC pic.twitter.com/cqdHOjUZya
Two weeks ago, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reported that Weinar removed himself from consideration for the Knicks' top assistant job. Bondy said he heard that it had to do with his family and his desire to remain with Carlisle after spending years with the head coach (Carlisle just signed an extension). It seemed like Weinar wasn't going anywhere.
Mike Weinar was in discussions with the Knicks for the top assistant job but removed himself from consideration, the Post has learned. Heard there were family considerations and he’s been with Rick Carlisle for a long time.
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) August 6, 2025
Chris Jent is a candidate, as @TheFrankIsola reported. https://t.co/iPCCIMAJpR
New York since hired Chris Jent as Mike Brown's top assistant.
Pacers and Mike Weinar mutually agree to part ways
Indiana didn't disclose the reason for Weinar's departure from the organization, which has led to plenty of speculation about what happened. Until more information becomes available, it is impossible to know the reason behind the decision.
The timing makes the move even more mind-boggling. If the Knicks' job were still open, it would make sense to wonder if Weinar changed his mind, but that isn't the case.
What Pacers fans know for sure is that Weinar will no longer be on the sideline next season, months after the team nearly did the unthinkable by winning the NBA Finals.
Attention will now shift to who will take Weinar's place, whether it be a coach who is already on the staff or a newcomer. That's a decision that should come sooner rather than later, considering the point we're at in the offseason.
Weinar's departure was unexpected, to say the least.