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Riley replaces Van Gundy as Heat coach
(AP)
Updated: 2005-12-13 08:54
MIAMI - Pat Riley and Stan Van Gundy walked off the dais together Monday,
then went in opposite directions. Riley packed his tailored suits and headed
back to the NBA sidelines, looking to add another entry to his long and glowing
coaching resume. Van Gundy simply went home.
Former coach Pat
Riley, left, team owner Micky Arison and Stan Van Gundy pose for photos
after the Monday, Dec. 12, 2005 press conference in Miami, where Van Gundy
explained why he was resigning as head coach and Pat Riley announced he
was taking charge of the team. [AP] | Months after
he said he wanted to reclaim more of a hands-on role with the team �� a comment
that prompted rampant speculation he was about to fire his former protege ��
Riley returned to the business of coaching. Van Gundy quit to spend more time
with his family, and will stay with the team in a limited capacity.
"I was happy for him when I hired him 11 years ago," Riley said. "I was happy
for him when I stepped aside and gave him an opportunity that was well-deserved.
And I am happy for him today, absolutely."
The 60-year-old Riley said he hasn't looked at a playbook in two years. He's
probably doing that right now for Tuesday night's game in Chicago.
"I think I know my way around a 94-by-50 court," Riley said. "I know what the
hell I'm doing when I'm out there. But right now, I'm a little bit lost. So I'm
going to depend a lot on the staff that we have presently. But no, I really
wasn't thinking about replacements."
Riley said he spent the last six weeks trying to persuade Van Gundy to stay,
and his former top assistant insisted his decision was voluntary. Players, who
were not available for comment because they were traveling, were told Monday
morning.
Van Gundy's job security has been scrutinized since the Heat lost Game 7 of
the Eastern Conference finals to Detroit at home last June �� a game where
Miami's superstars, Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, were both injured.
The Heat entered the season with big ambitions, but they are just 11-10,
although Miami has been hit by injuries, including a sprained ankle that
sidelined O'Neal for all but three of those games.
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