Indiana Pacers fire coach Jim O'Brien

[HAMILROCK]

The Indiana Pacers have reportedly fired coach Jim O'Brien. Posted by Ben Golliver.

A little more than a week ago, we noted some rumblings that changes were in store for the Indiana Pacers, as coach Jim O'Brien and GM David Morway were likely going to be replaced at the end of the season, with President Larry Bird's future up in the air as well.

O'Brien was said to be safe through the rest of the season, as no one on his staff was seen as head coach material. On Sunday, though, that story changed in a big way: Yahoo! Sports reports that the Pacers have fired O'Brien. CBSSports.com's Ken Berger has confirmed the decision, citing multiple sources.

Pacers fans had been frustrated with O'Brien and the team's progress for some time. The decision to fire O'Brien now rather than wait until the end of the season likely boils down to two factors: expectations and rotations.

The Pacers got off to a 9-7 start, and have enough talent on the roster to be a lower-level playoff team in the top-heavy Eastern Conference. That the Pacers are currently 17-37 on the season, good for 10th in the Eastern Conference, could lead to the thinking that the season is at a crossroads. Salvaging a playoff seed out of this season would be huge.

The other regular criticism of O'Brien has been his inconsistent rotations. Coaches of losing teams get that a lot, as they juggle the pieces looking for something that will work, and O'Brien didn't have a solid argument to hang his hat on. Star forward Danny Granger has seen his numbers regress from last year, center Roy Hibbert started hot but then tailed off, point guard Darren Collison often wasn't efficient enough and none of the other parts have developed into much of anything.

The firing comes one day after the Pacers lost to the Chicago Bulls, 110-89, on Saturday night.

[justdonating]

Pacers cover their next game......

[justdonating]

Originally Posted by justdonating

Pacers cover their next game......

So predictable, LOL!