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Rumblings: Riley to Return Next Season

In a move that I never expected, Pat Riley has decided to coach the Miami Heat for the 2007-2008 season. After an up and down season full of injuries of players and coaches alike, Pat Riley sites his strong relationship with Micky Arison and love for the franchise as main reasons for his return. Per ESPN.com report…

“My plans are to come back,” he said, according to the Herald. “I’ve got three years left on my contract, and [Heat owner] Micky [Arison] and I have a great relationship. He has always told me I can work here as long as I want.”

“I have no plans on ever going to another franchise. This is my home now, and this is my team and this is my city,” Riley said, according to the Herald. “I would never put Micky in a position where I’m always hanging him out to dry by not letting him know if I’m coming back or not. I think he wants me to coach this team. I think he wants me to run this franchise, or at least the operations side of this franchise. And that’s what I plan on doing. It would take something drastic for me to go the other way.”

In my opinion this is fantastic news. If there is one coach that can keep all these guys motivated it’s Pat Riley. Another thing one has to wonder is if next year is the start of a rebuilding or rather retooling year. It’s no secret that Gary Payton is winding down and the thoughts of going through another season with Leroy Jenkins on the roster just sends shivers down my spine. Next season is the year of the D. D-Wade and D-Wright. Pat Riley will make the necessary moves, perhaps including another blockbuster trade, to make sure this team reaches the post season again.

Your thoughts on Riley’s return?