Riley Running?

Sources are saying that Pat Riley may be out as coach of the Miami Heat at the end of this season, although I have heard other rumors that he could be out by the All-Star break which would be about a month from now. Before the Heat's game Wednesday night, Riley denied reports that he plans to go anywhere before his contract is up in the '09-'10 season.

Riley currently serves as President and coach for the Heat, and his move likely means that he would stay on as President and step down as coach.

Well, we all know Pat Riley's a winner. And if he's not winning, he probably doesn't want to be a part of it. With the team at 8-27, and an injured Dwyane Wade, he's at the helm of a sinking ship.

I don't know if he should get credit for having just enough of an in-check ego to let someone else do the job, or if he should be called out for trying to get out when the going gets tough. I'm going to guess that most people would say the latter, especially after he fired Stan Van Gundy and replaced him with himself, and managed to win a championship the year that he took over.

No matter what Riley's motives are, I am all for fixing what is broken. Something has to give because they really stink.