Former Pacers Coach George Irvine Dies

(photo courtesy Indiana Pacers)

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Former Indiana Pacers Head Coach George Irvine has passed away. Irvine led the team from 1984-1986 and also served as interim head coach in 1988. He was 69.

Irvine was also the head coach of the Detroit Pistons from 1999-2001. The Pacers released the following statement after his passing:

The Indiana Pacers’ family expresses great sorrow with the news of the passing of former coach George Irvine. George served as the Pacers’ head coach from 1984-86, was an interim head coach in 1988 and also an assistant coach from 1980-83, in 1991-92 and 1993-95. When not coaching, George assisted General Manager/President Donnie Walsh in the front office.

"George Irvine brought me to Indiana and in my mind he was the beginning of NBA basketball with the Pacers in our building process for the years to come," said Walsh. "He had a great basketball mind, which allowed him to function at a high level as a coach, administrator and purveyor of talent. George was a once-in-a-lifetime friend and one of the best men in my life."

The Pacers send their condolences to the Irvine family.