Miami Heat Rumors: Pat Riley Shows Readiness to Coach, Doesn't Extend Spoelstra

Pat Riley has all but said he’s ready step in and coach the Miami Heat if Erik Spoelstra screws up this season.

By not extending the coach’s contract, which expires at the end of the season, the Heat president has left the door open for a possible return to the bench.

It certainly would not be unprecedented.

During the 2005-2006 season, Riley stepped in for coach Stan Van Gundy after he “resigned” during a 11-10 start to a year that followed a seven-game Eastern Conference Finals run.

Despite Van Gundy denying this rumor, many fans and insiders believe that Riley forced him out because he knew he had a championship team on his hands.

Shaquille O’Neal and Dwyane Wade were both injured in that ECF game, which they easily could have won if they were healthy.

They were a lock to make the Finals in 2006 and won the whole thing with Riley getting the glory.

There is a very similar situation brewing this year.

With LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Wade coming off a six-game Finals defeat, you can almost be certain that they'll make it back. What's more, they could win it all this year with a re-tooled roster that includes Shane Battier and more solid role-players that Riley has found.

Meanwhile, Spoelstra needs to watch his back because there will be a lot of pressure on him to perform this season. The smallest slip-ups will be greatly magnified because of expectations.

Riley would not hesitate to can his long-time assistant if it means he could get on the bench halfway through the season and lead this team to his sixth championship.

Until Spoelstra locks up a long-term extension, he needs to keep his team playing perfect basketball or he might find himself watching his players win a title with Riley drawing up the X’s and O’s.