Indiana Pacers CEO and president Donnie Walsh announced Monday that he will not return to the team next season.

Amidst rumors Walsh might be taking a front office position with another NBA team, the Pacers called Monday’s press conference to clear the air.

“Everyone was getting confused and there were a lot of rumors,” Pacers’ co-owner Herb Simon said. “Once I was convinced Donnie was really leaving I thought it was best to let everyone know.”

Since Walsh, 67, joined the front office 22 years ago, the Pacers have made 17 playoff appearances, won three division titles, reached the Conference Finals six times, and made it to the NBA Finals in 2000 where they fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

“I’ve loved every single moment of this job, including the last few years when things have been difficult,” he said.

Walsh said he’d considered leaving the team the past two or three years and that he’d held his position for too long.

His departure means president of basketball operations Larry Bird will be the team’s primary decision maker. Bird has worked with Walsh in the front office since 2003.

“I have the utmost confidence in his ability to return this team to its elite level,” Walsh said.

Walsh expects to remain with the team until the end of the season. He said he is unsure of his future plans.

“No matter what happens, I’ll always be a Pacers fan,” he said.

The Pacers’ attendance is the worst in the NBA and the team is on pace for its worst record in nearly two decades. Bird said he realizes the challenges in front of him.

“I think everyone knows our challenges,” he said. “It’s not only on the court, but it’s off the court.”

The Pacers are currently 29-41, but have won four-straight games and are currently just 1.5 games out of a playoff spot.

Todd Taylor writes for the Hendricks County Flyer in Avon, Ind.