After the Indiana Pacers and Larry Bird opted not to bring back head coach Frank Vogel, despite a 250-181 record since he had been named the Pacers' coach in 2010, many wondered who Bird had in mind to replace a widely-regarded head coach. Indiana has found their man and they didn't have to leave the building, hiring assistant coach Nate McMillan.
McMillan has served as an assistant on Vogel's staff since 2013, but has an extensive head coaching background. From 2000-2005, McMillan was at the helm for the Sonics 52-30 season in 2004-'05, his best season with the team. Over five seasons coaching the Sonics, the team finished with a 212-183 record.
After the 2004 season, McMillan took over the Portland Trail Blazers. McMillan had a very successful run with the Trail Blazers, though often referred to as the Jail Blazers for many of the players with checkered off-the-court issues on the team, having three 48-plus win seasons during his seven-year tenure with the team.
McMillan ultimately agreed to part ways with Portland after the team wanted to go in a youth direction after career-altering injuries to Brandon Roy and Greg Oden set the team back. Over seven seasons as Portland's head coach, McMillan had a 266-269 record.
In terms of fit, it does come as more of a surprise given Bird was reportedly looking to run a more up-tempo team, something that McMillan isn't exactly known for. But for a team that reportedly had some locker room instability, a familiar face and someone players can relate to could help keep things from further imploding.