MIAMI - Pat Riley resigned Friday as Miami Heat coach, saying that the team's rebuilding process is advanced well enough for to leave.
"It's the first time I feel it's right in the last three years," Riley said. "It's right for me to. It's time."
Riley will be replaced by Stan Van Gundy, the Heat's top assistant for the past several seasons.
Riley said he made the decision Wednesday and it was not health related. He will remain as team president.
Riley is a three-time coach of the year with Miami, the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Riley tried to transform the Heat from moribund also-rans in the Eastern Conference to legitimate playoff contender.
www.miami.com
"It's the first time I feel it's right in the last three years," Riley said. "It's right for me to. It's time."
Riley will be replaced by Stan Van Gundy, the Heat's top assistant for the past several seasons.
Riley said he made the decision Wednesday and it was not health related. He will remain as team president.
Riley is a three-time coach of the year with Miami, the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers. Riley tried to transform the Heat from moribund also-rans in the Eastern Conference to legitimate playoff contender.
www.miami.com
