Carlisle Reaches Four-Year Deal To Coach Mavericks

Dallas, TX (AHN) -- Rick Carlisle reached a verbal agreement on a four-year contract on Friday to become the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. The deal is believed to be worth $4 million per year. Dallas owner Mark Cuban confirmed the contract would be signed on Saturday Cuban said on the team's Web site, "Incredibly excited that Rick has come on board. His coaching record speaks for itself. He has a unique ability to coach multiple styles of play, which we think makes him a great fit for the Mavs." Carlisle is expected to hire former NBA head coaches Dwane Casey and Terry Stotts as assistants on his staff. Both arrived in Dallas for an expected news conference. The 48-year-old Carlisle owns a 281-211 record in six seasons, including the last four with the Pacers. He was 100-64 in his first two seasons with the Pistons. His teams went to the playoffs in his first five seasons. He was NBA Coach of the Year his first year with the Pistons. Carlisle replaces Avery Johnson, who was fired after the Mavs were knocked out in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year. Cuban interviewed only Carlisle after Mavs president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson declined an invitation to move to the bench.