USA - Three more years as coach for Heat’s Riley

MIAMI (NBA) - Miami Heat coach Pat Riley has decided to coach for three more seasons.

After the Heat were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, Riley indicated that he was unsure if he would return to the bench.

But the third-winningest coach in NBA history made a commitment to the franchise Monday.

"I have decided that I'm going to coach another three years; the term of my contract," Riley said. "And that's why it's taken so long for me to make this decision. I don't want to be a 'one and done' guy every year."

Riley, 62, guided the Heat to the Southeast Division title last season. But it was a trying season 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 their first 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 439-328 record in 10 seasons as Heat coach. He owns a career mark of 1,195-627 in 23 seasons overall with the Lakers, New York Knicks and Heat.