A week ago, Rick Carlisle was on the verge of signing a contract with ESPN to work as an NBA analyst this season.

Wednesday, he was formally presented as the Indiana Pacers' head coach.

"This is a business of dynamic change and great opportunity," he said after a news conference at Conseco Fieldhouse. "I was looking at spending three days a week in Bristol, Conn., (where ESPN is based) so I'm feeling pretty good right now."

Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird, CEO Donnie Walsh and Carlisle wouldn't say how much the four-year deal was worth. But Bird indicated that Carlisle signed a back-loaded contract -- with less money in the first year and more later -- because the team owes fired coach Isiah Thomas $5 million.

"It would never have happened if he didn't help us out in a big way," Bird said.