I can't say I'm surprised by him leaving the coaching ranks after realizing the Heat are done. You can't help but to feel sorry for Van Gundy.
Pat Riley left the Miami Heat for six weeks last year to undergo knee surgery and a hip replacement. This year, he might leave one of his positions with the team permanently.
Riley is leaning toward stepping aside as head coach after this season, despite committing in the offseason to coach the Heat through 2009-10, according to several published reports. Riley said it might be in Miami's best interests if he focuses solely on his duties as team president.
"But that's after this season," Riley told reporters Tuesday, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "That's not now."
Riley said that he was torn by the promise he made to Heat owner Micky Arison to fill both roles for the next two years.
"Sometimes, just with me, I feel like now, more than ever, I might be butting heads with both jobs," Riley told reporters. "And I've revisited that over and over again."
Although several NBA coaches also have the authority to make personnel decisions, Riley said he understands why many teams keep the jobs separate.
"I was much better, I believe, just as a president," he said, "because I wasn't having to deal with the personalities."
Erik Spoelstra is considered the frontrunner on Riley's current staff to replace him as coach. Riley could also hire longtime coach Mike Fratello.
Riley is leaning toward stepping aside as head coach after this season, despite committing in the offseason to coach the Heat through 2009-10, according to several published reports. Riley said it might be in Miami's best interests if he focuses solely on his duties as team president.
"But that's after this season," Riley told reporters Tuesday, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "That's not now."
Riley said that he was torn by the promise he made to Heat owner Micky Arison to fill both roles for the next two years.
"Sometimes, just with me, I feel like now, more than ever, I might be butting heads with both jobs," Riley told reporters. "And I've revisited that over and over again."
Although several NBA coaches also have the authority to make personnel decisions, Riley said he understands why many teams keep the jobs separate.
"I was much better, I believe, just as a president," he said, "because I wasn't having to deal with the personalities."
Erik Spoelstra is considered the frontrunner on Riley's current staff to replace him as coach. Riley could also hire longtime coach Mike Fratello.