Pat Riley confirms Spoelstra's job is safe

Miami Heat President Pat Riley spoke out publicly about the team's disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, standing behind the "big three," promising fans the future would be better. Riley was confident that his decision to bring LeBron James and Chris Bosh down to Miami will put the Heat in a position to make multiple championship runs down the road.

"I can say this," Riley said in a Q & A session with reporters, "we will be a multiple championship-contending team. This was a great year. It was a disappointing ending."

Riley also confirmed Erik Spoelstra will continue as the Heat's coach, even though he has been criticized of being outcoached in the finals. Riley seemed confident Spoelstra had the tools needed to take the Heat to a championship, making it clear he had no desire to return to coaching duties.

"No, I'm not going to," Riley said when asked about the possibility of coaching the Heat. "It doesn't mean that I don't have the fire. But we've got a great young coach here, and I want to support him. And hopefully, he can grow like I did. We'll bring Erik back, definitely."

There is no question Spoelstra is a good coach, given all the Heat able to accomplish in the 2010/11 NBA season. Spoelstra was able to bring a team that consisted mainly of new players on the same page, forming one of the best defensive teams in the NBA.

Even though the Dallas Mavericks were able to win the strategic battle in the 2011 NBA finals, making better adjustments and taking control of the series in Game 4; Riley's decision to stand behind Spoelstra is a wise one.

Despite his uneventful entry into the NBA as a video coordinator, Spoelstra's record as the Heat's head coach is 148-98. Given time and the proper support, I see no reason why Spoelstra can't take the Heat all the way to an NBA championship.

David is a Miami Heat fan that has followed the team for 15 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter.Sources:

Michael Wallace, "Pat Riley won't coach, Heat will contend" ESPN

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