The Indiana Pacers have hired Carl Daniels as the Vice President of Player Relations, team sources told VigilantSports.com.
Carl Daniels, pictured with coach Frank Vogel, joins the Pacers after nearly 13 years at adidas.
The title previously belonged to Clark Kellogg for the past four seasons. Kellogg, who was with the team in various capacities for 32 years, left his post on July 1 writing “But times and seasons change. And my time has come to move on from my role as VP of Player Relations. I do so with no regrets.”
Daniels later confirmed the news Friday in an email.
Daniels, an Indy native and graduate of Cathedral High School, attended Rice University and worked at adidas since 2002 as the Director of Team Services. He was often at Bankers Life Fieldhouse throughout the year to visit with team staff regarding adidas apparel and merchandise.
“I drive the vision, strategy and development of relationships and service to clients including NBA, NHL, MLS and NCAA licensed properties in the most fiscally responsible manner while ensuring alignment of corporate message and strategy,” according to his LinkedIn profile.
Prior to his gig at adidas, he worked for the NCAA (Assistant Director for Championships, 1993-2000), Butler University (assistant athletic director, 1990-93), and the Indiana Sports Corp (coordinator, 1988-90).
The player relations department, led by Daniels, includes Heather Denton and Drew Franklin. They not only help the players and their families with whatever they need – basketball related or not – but they also work to educate them in handling situations now and in life after basketball.
Last season, for example, entrepreneur and author Stedman Graham was brought in to speak to the players, they learned how best to manage their money, and they had a successful “Business of Basketball” seminar at Finish Line’s headquarters.
Daniels officially begins working for the Pacers on September 1.
UPDATE:
The Pacers announced the hiring on Wednesday, Sept. 3.
“We’re very pleased to have Carl as part of our team,” Pacers President Larry Bird said in the release. “In his previous position, he has been around our team, he knows our players and he is well-established in our community.”