Riley likely won't return

http://sportstwo.com/NBA/Story/NBA/1487317

<span style="font-size:18pt;line-height:100%">Riley likely won't return</span>
Wednesday, January 9, 2008 10:49 AM

FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (Ticker) -- Pat Riley is leaning toward stepping aside as coach of the Miami Heat after this season, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported on its web site Wednesday.

With the Heat struggling and in need of a significant roster overhaul, Riley has indicated it may be in the franchise's best interest if he focuses solely on his role as team president, according to the report.

"Sometimes, just with me, I feel like now, more than ever, I might be budding heads with both jobs," Riley told the newspaper. "And I've revisited that over and over again."

The newspaper reported Riley has spoken of selecting his successor from his staff, with Erik Spoelstra, 37, considered the front-runner among the current assistants.

Riley also is particularly close to long time coach Mike Fratello, the former Heat television analyst who has been out of the league since being dismissed last season by the Memphis Grizzlies.

In August, Riley - the third-winningest coach in NBA history - made a commitment to the Heat, saying he would coach three more years.

However, the losing and general disarray of the franchise may be taking a roll on Riley.

With an aging Shaquille O'Neal, injury-prone star Dwyane Wade and an overall lack of talent on their roster, the Heat (8-27) have the league's second-worst record. They are mired in an eight-game losing streak, the latest loss being a 101-91 setback to the league-worst Minnesota Timberwolves on Tuessday.

The Heat's dramatic fall has come just two seasons after Riley guided the franchise to their first NBA title.

Riley, 62, also guided the Heat to the Southeast Division title last season. But it was a trying campaign for Riley, who left the team for 22 games at midseason to undergo hip and knee surgeries.

It marked the second time Riley left the team. Citing a need for a break, he handed the reins to assistant Stan Van Gundy just prior to the start of the 2003-04 season.

Feeling refreshed, Riley returned early in the 2005-06 season, guiding the Heat to the NBA title. It was the fifth championship for Riley, who won his first four with the powerhouse Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980s.

Riley has posted a 447-355 record in 11 seasons as Heat coach. He owns a career mark of 1,203-654 in 24 seasons overall with the Lakers, New York Knicks and Heat.