Pacers president Larry Bird said in his annual postseason news conference on Tuesday that coach Jim O'Brien is safe for now.

Coaches have been getting the axe rather quickly as of late in the NBA, but Indiana is going to allow O'Brien to return despite back-to-back losing seasons.

"That's the situation Jimmy's in," Bird said, according to the Associated Press. "I think he needs an opportunity to let these guys grow."

O'Brien is entering the final year of his contract, and Bird made no indication that signing the coach to an extension will be a priority.

"I haven't really thought about that, but obviously, if Jimmy wants to talk about it, we'll do that," Bird said. "He's under contract, and we expect him to fulfill his contract."