We present the first coordination-induced spin-state switching with nickel chlorin and nickel isobacteriochlorin. The spin-state switching was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy and NMR titration experiments. The association constants (K-1 and K-2) and thermodynamic parameters (Delta H and Delta S) of the coordination of pyridine were determined. The first X-ray analyses of a paramagnetic nickel chlorin and a nickel isobacteriochlorin provide further information about the structure of the octahedral complexes. Nickel chlorin and even more pronounced nickel isobacteriochlorin exhibit stronger coordination of axial ligands compared to the corresponding nickel porphyrin and thus provide the basis for more efficient spin-switching systems.