Sports Illustrated Ocotber 27 1997 Larry Bird Pacer Coach

Sports Illustrated Ocotber 27 1997 Larry Bird pacer Coach. 

In 1997, Larry Bird was hired as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers. He took over the team on May 12, 1997, succeeding Larry Brown. Bird would lead the Pacers for three seasons, from 1997 to 2000, and during his tenure, they made the NBA Finals in 2000. 

Larry Bird had a successful coaching career with the Pacers, highlighted by his Coach of the Year award in 1997-98 and leading the team to the NBA Finals in 2000. He was known for his fierce competitive spirit and strong emphasis on the mental fortitude of his players.