Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle hired ?The Rifleman? Chuck Person as his new assistant coach.  Person, formerly a ?special assistant? will now have a seat on the Pacers bench as Mike Brown?s replacement.

Previously, Person performed a hybrid role during the past years, working with players in individual workouts and assisting CEO Donnie Walsh and team president Larry Bird in the front office.

"Having a chance to work in the front office was a great opportunity, but at the end of the day my heart lies with coaching," Person said. "I'm really looking forward to helping the team move forward."

"Chuck knows our team and our players are comfortable with him.?  Said Carlisle.  ?It's a ready-made direction to go. I'm really glad the interest was there on his side."