Hall of Fame head coach Fitch dead at 89

Hall of Fame head coach Bill Fitch died at the age of 89, his daughter confirmed to Indiana Pacers bench boss Rick Carlisle, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

Fitch coached five teams over his 25-year career in the Association. He was named Coach of the Year twice and guided the Boston Celtics to a title in 1981.

"I am sad to announce that NBA Hall of Famer Bill Fitch passed away Wednesday evening," said Carlisle, who also serves as the president of the National Basketball Coaches Association, per Stein. "He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Lake Conroe, Texas."

Carlisle added, "Coach Fitch's numerous accomplishments pale in comparison to the giant impact he had on countless members of the basketball world in a legendary career that spanned 40-plus years. His mark on the NBA game is indelible."

Fitch is 11th on the league's all-time list for regular-season wins. He was named one of the top 10 coaches in NBA history during the Association's 50th anniversary celebration.

The Iowa native qualified for the postseason at each of his coaching stops. Fitch was at the helm when the Houston Rockets reached the Finals in 1985-86.