Rick Carlisle Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Rick Carlisle steps down as Mavericks head coach

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 6/17/21

The Dallas Mavericks parted ways with longtime general manager Donnie Nelson on Wednesday, but it turns out that is not the most significant change for the organization this offseason.

Rick Carlisle informed Mavericks owner Mark Cuban on Thursday that he will not return as head coach next season. He said in a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that the decision was “solely” his. Carlisle also said he is “excited about the next chapter of my coaching career,” which indicates he will look for a job elsewhere.

Rick Carlisle statement to ESPN: pic.twitter.com/zdKA8sWa4Y

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 17, 2021

Carlisle had been the head coach in Dallas since 2008. He led the Mavericks to an NBA title in 2011, but they have not advanced past the first round of the playoffs since.

Carlisle, 61, will be one of the top candidates on the market for other NBA head coaching jobs if he chooses to coach next season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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