Houston Rockets Coach Rick Adelman Will Not Return Next Season

According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman will not have his contract renewed for next season.

A little more than a week ago, in another Houston Chronicle article, Rockets owner Leslie Alexander had this to say about his coach:

"I think he's done a terrific job. He's taken a team that has lost two key starters and he melded the team and he's won. That's what we want here. He only cares about—which I love—the team and winning."

Rockets center Chuck Hayes was even more effusive in his praise, calling Adelman "one of the best coaches ever."

Talk about building someone up only to tear them down.

According to the Chronicle report, Adelman expressed a desire to continue coaching in Houston, but missing the playoffs in two consecutive years—even without significant contributions from Yao Ming—cost him his job. 

The Chronicle report lists former Cleveland coach Mike Brown, former Hawks coach Mike Woodson and one-time Rockets coach Jeff Van Gundy, along with a slew of well-regarded assistant coaches from around the league as possible replacements.  

Adelman's record in four seasons with the Rockets was 193-135, and the 64-year-old coach boasts a career record of 945-616.

It's hard to believe he wouldn't be able to find a new job—or at least a cushy assistant gig—if he wants to work.