Pat Riley Won’t Coach Again; Very Optimistic About the Heat


The boss down in Miami is sticking to the script, and doesn’t envision many changes going into next season. Instead, Riles puts the onus solely on the Big 3 to become better. From the Sun-Sentinel: “In a wide-ranging, informal media session at American Airlines arena, a relaxed Riley, in a buttoned-down blue pinstriped shirt, spoke at length about the 2010-11 team that came up short in the NBA Finals and where the franchise is headed. Of a possible return to coaching, Riley, 66, said, ‘No, I’m not going to do that.’ He paused, adding, ‘It doesn’t mean I don’t have the fire. But we’ve got a great young coach here.’ While Riley would not discuss specifics about Spoelstra’s coaching future, he said, ;Definitely we’re going to bring Erik back. As far as any long-term type of situation, that has not been discussed.’ … And Riley stressed that will be with the Big Three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh intact. ‘There was never any thought, never any discussion of moving any of those guys,” he said. ‘I’m happy we have those three together.’ … While there was no proclamation about future championships, Riley stressed, ‘We are going to be multiple contenders. I have no problem saying that. It was a great year, trying to keep things in perspective. Obviously a disappointing ending. I know what everyone was expecting here, but it didn’t happen. I can’t wait for next season.'”