Longtime president Donnie Walsh is to leave the Indiana Pacers at the end of this season.

The 67-year-old joined the club as assistant coach in 1984, became general manager in 1986 and has served as president since 1988.

"I made it clear from the beginning of the season this would be my last year," Walsh said. "When I accepted this job...it was my dream job and it has lived up to it in every way."

Indiana native Larry Bird, the former Boston Celtics player, will continue as president of basketball operations.

The team has won three Central Division titles since 1986, qualifying for the playoffs 17 times with six trips to the Eastern Conference finals.

The Pacers reached the NBA Finals in 2000.

"I've enjoyed working with Donnie Walsh for 24 years and I've gained enormous respect for him," said co-owner Herb Simon.

"He ran this franchise with tremendous integrity and honesty and is regarded as one of the very best in the NBA.

"I've talked Donnie into staying for two years after he thought it was time to leave. Now, with my blessing, I wish him the best in whatever new challenges he takes on."

Bird will take on some of Walsh's duties.

"Larry could not have had a better mentor to prepare him for the work that needs to be done to restore this franchise to the elite level," said Simon.

Reuters