TOUCH DOWN FEW MINUTES AGO: Nate Bjorkgren Returns to Indiana Pacers in Major Front Office Role
Indianapolis, IN — In a stunning and nostalgic turn of events, former Indiana Pacers head coach Nate Bjorkgren has touched down in Indianapolis just minutes ago, following a surprise announcement confirming his return to the franchise. Now serving as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers, Bjorkgren has been appointed to a pivotal new position within the Indiana Pacers’ front office, signaling a strategic shift in leadership and vision for the team’s future.
Bjorkgren, who served as the Pacers’ head coach during the 2020–2021 NBA season, is making a remarkable return, this time not to the bench but to the executive suite. Sources close to the team confirm that Bjorkgren will assume the role of Director of Player Development and Strategy, a newly created position designed to bridge coaching insights with long-term player performance and team culture building.
The Pacers organization has praised Bjorkgren’s deep understanding of player dynamics, tactical innovation, and his history with the franchise. “We believe Nate’s experience as a head coach and recent work in Portland position him uniquely to help us shape the next era of Pacers basketball,” said team president Kevin Pritchard.
Bjorkgren’s arrival comes as the Pacers prepare for a transformative offseason, with eyes on bolstering their young core led by Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. Fans at the Indianapolis airport greeted him warmly, with many expressing excitement about his return. Some carried signs reading, “Welcome Home, Coach Nate!”
In his brief yet impactful head coaching stint in Indiana, Bjorkgren earned praise for his energy, attention to detail, and progressive style. Though the season ended without a playoff berth, his contributions left a lasting impression on the locker room.
Now back with the blue and gold in a new capacity, Nate Bjorkgren is poised to help lead the Pacers into a bold and promising new chapter.