Larry Staverman, the first coach of the Indiana Pacers, has died at age 70.

Staverman was an assistant coach at Notre Dame for two seasons when he was hired by the Pacers in June 1967 before their inaugural season.

He coached the Pacers to a 38-40 record in their first season in the ABA but was fired after a 2-7 start the following year.

"By being our first coach, he was a believer in the franchise at a time when there were many doubters," Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh said in a statement. "That is something we recognize and hope our fans recognize."