Riley Retires, But for How Long?

Pat Riley stepped down as coach of the Miami Heat on Monday . . . again! Erik Spoelstra has been named the new head coach. At 37 years old, Spoelstra is the NBA's youngest coach. The Heat assistants (McAdoo, Rothstein, Askins) are expected to stay with the team.

Riley will remain the team President. But the real question is, will he remain retired from coaching?

"I am definitely sure that I don't want to do this anymore," Riley Said.

I wish I could believe that, but his past brings clouds of doubt. With that said, I don't believe he'll be back as the head coach of the Heat. Spoelstra is a young coach, and Riley is showing great faith in him, giving him the job of rebuilding the franchise with Wade, Marion, and their upcoming draft pick. The heat (pun intended) Riley would receive if he came back again would be unbelievable, and unless Spoelstra bombs, Pat would disrupt the rebuilding process if he returns. Riley's done in Miami, but I won't count out the possibility that he'll coach again with another team.

Spoelstra is just what the doctor ordered for the rebuilding Heat. He's young, energetic, and brings a positive attitude that Pat Riley lacked.

Call me an optimist, but Miami can be a playoff team next year. Sure, coming off a 15-67 season doesn't breed confidence, but the reality is; Miami completely tanked it at the mid-way point. There's no reason a trio of Wade, Marion, and Beasley (if those ping pong balls fall right) can't lead the Heat to a playoff spot in the East. Combine that trio with Haslem (yes he's small to play C), a new PG, and a run and gun style and the Heat will not only be competitive, they will be fun to watch again.

Click here to read more about Pat Riley's retirement.